Columbia vs Spartanburg: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Columbia, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,236 | $102,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.75 | $49.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,867 | $49,315▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,615 | $66,412▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,213 | $208,676▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $338,700 | $368,988▲ |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Spartanburg, SC offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Spartanburg is $5,372 (5.52%). Spartanburg's median is -5.46% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $291,833,Spartanburg spans $319,673. Spartanburg 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, Spartanburg ($112,693 effective) pays 8.55% more than Columbia ($103,816 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Spartanburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($368,988)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,693)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Columbia grew 53.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 66.0% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$61,270 (2019) → $94,130 (2025)
Spartanburg, SC
$59,830 (2019) → $99,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Columbia or Spartanburg?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Spartanburg as a financial advisor?
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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