Cleveland vs Cincinnati: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Cleveland, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,807▲ | $83,198 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.30▲ | $40.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,253▲ | $46,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,724 | $63,189▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,495 | $172,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,144 | $318,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,640 | 2,510▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland and Cincinnati are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Cincinnati is $609 (0.73%). Cleveland's median is -22.78% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $181,891,Cincinnati spans $271,390. Cincinnati 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, Cleveland ($89,229 effective) pays 2.28% more than Cincinnati ($87,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,807/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,229)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($318,102)
- ✓Larger job market (2,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Cleveland grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$61,480 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$81,650 (2019) → $80,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Cleveland or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Cincinnati as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Cleveland vs Cincinnati?
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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