Boston vs Northampton: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Boston, MA and Northampton, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Northampton, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,705 | $147,996▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.84 | $71.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,472 | $85,837▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,576 | $106,557▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,870 | $189,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $502,751▲ | $229,393 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 6 |
Verdict
Northampton, MA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boston.
The salary gap between Boston and Northampton is $17,291 (13.23%). Northampton's median is +36.36% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $442,279,Northampton spans $143,556. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Northampton ($136,402 effective) pays 12.98% more than Boston ($120,726 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($502,751)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Northampton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,996/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,402)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Boston grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.2% growth in Northampton over the same period.
Boston, MA
$109,290 (2019) → $126,530 (2025)
Northampton, MA
$157,854 (2024) → $143,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Northampton, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Boston or Northampton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Northampton?
Should I relocate from Boston to Northampton as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Boston vs Northampton?
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