Charleston vs North Charleston: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,848 | $132,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.42 | $63.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,392 | $76,917▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,255 | $95,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $193,450▲ | $169,749 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,450 | $205,556▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $2,769 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is +22.19% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $147,058,North Charleston spans $128,639. Charleston 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, North Charleston ($144,937 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($128,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,556)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,937)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Charleston grew 169.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.6% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$46,710 (2019) → $125,700 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$83,059 (2024) → $128,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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