Bellevue vs Seattle: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,479▲ | $118,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.45▲ | $56.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,298▲ | $59,769 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,025▲ | $80,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,933 | $185,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,192 | $449,396▲ |
| Total Employed | 26 | 3,940▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue and Seattle are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Seattle is $1,159 (0.98%). Bellevue's median is +10.08% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $115,894,Seattle spans $389,627. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($111,247 effective) pays 4.49% more than Seattle ($106,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,479/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,247)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($449,396)
- ✓Larger job market (3,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bellevue grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$129,254 (2024) → $115,662 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$106,950 (2019) → $114,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bellevue or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Seattle as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Bellevue vs Seattle?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov