Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,400▲ | $87,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.35▲ | $41.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,530▲ | $50,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,031▲ | $62,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,177▲ | $111,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,441▲ | $135,149 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $9,207 (10.56%). Cedar Rapids's median is -11.18% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $263,911,Fort Dodge spans $84,576. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($108,360 effective) pays 12.35% more than Fort Dodge ($96,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,400/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($317,441)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,360)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 146.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,890 (2019) → $93,320 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$73,023 (2024) → $84,408 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
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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