Chicago vs Rock Island: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Chicago, IL and Rock Island, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rock Island, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,946 | $128,902▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.23 | $61.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,735 | $74,763▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,591 | $93,847▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,957▲ | $164,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $333,081▲ | $199,798 |
| Total Employed | 8,370▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Chicago and Rock Island are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rock Island is $11,956 (10.22%). Rock Island's median is +18.76% 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,Rock Island spans $125,035. 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, Rock Island ($132,752 effective) pays 17.60% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($333,081)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rock Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,902/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,752)
- ✓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 15.0% growth in Rock Island over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$114,460 (2019) → $113,210 (2025)
Rock Island, IL
$108,527 (2024) → $124,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rock Island, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Chicago or Rock Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rock Island?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rock Island as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Chicago vs Rock Island?
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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