Boston vs Waltham: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Boston, MA and Waltham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,705▲ | $127,188 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.84▲ | $61.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,472 | $73,770▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,576 | $91,575▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,870▲ | $162,801 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $502,751▲ | $197,142 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 11 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Boston and Waltham is $3,517 (2.77%). Boston's median is +20.42% 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,Waltham spans $123,372. 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, Boston ($120,726 effective) pays 2.99% more than Waltham ($117,224 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,705/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($502,751)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,726)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓Larger job market (11 employed)
- ✓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 -23.3% growth in Waltham over the same period.
Boston, MA
$109,290 (2019) → $126,530 (2025)
Waltham, MA
$160,482 (2024) → $123,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Waltham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Boston or Waltham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Waltham?
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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