Ellensburg vs Seattle: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,169 | $118,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.67 | $56.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,518 | $59,769▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,402 | $80,998▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,936 | $185,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,712 | $449,396▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 3,940▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Seattle is $19,151 (19.31%). Seattle's median is +9.01% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $96,194,Seattle spans $389,627. Seattle 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, Seattle ($106,467 effective) pays 15.30% more than Ellensburg ($92,336 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($449,396)
- ✓Larger job market (3,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,467)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Ellensburg grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$120,896 (2024) → $96,001 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$106,950 (2019) → $114,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Ellensburg or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Seattle as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Ellensburg vs Seattle?
Related Comparisons
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