Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,946▲ | $110,542 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.23▲ | $53.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,735 | $64,114▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,591 | $79,591▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,957▲ | $141,494 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $333,081▲ | $171,341 |
| Total Employed | 8,370▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $6,404 (5.79%). Chicago's median is +7.75% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $280,346,Crystal Lake spans $107,227. Chicago 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, Crystal Lake ($113,843 effective) pays 0.85% more than Chicago ($112,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,946/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($333,081)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,843)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Chicago grew -1.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$114,460 (2019) → $113,210 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$106,335 (2024) → $107,011 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
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Should I relocate from Chicago to Crystal Lake as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Chicago vs Crystal Lake?
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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