Brea vs Los Angeles: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Brea, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,358 | $128,598▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.58 | $61.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,427 | $69,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,737 | $80,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,978 | $184,907▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,504 | $294,498▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 13,980▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brea.
The salary gap between Brea and Los Angeles is $19,240 (17.59%). Los Angeles's median is +18.48% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $106,077,Los Angeles spans $224,574. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($113,236 effective) pays 17.11% more than Brea ($96,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,598/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($294,498)
- ✓Larger job market (13,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,236)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Brea grew -29.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 70.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Brea, CA
$150,229 (2024) → $105,864 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$72,840 (2019) → $124,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Brea or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brea and Los Angeles?
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What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Brea vs Los Angeles?
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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