Flagstaff vs Phoenix: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,329 | $107,101▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64 | $51.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,930 | $50,875▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,397 | $66,814▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,261 | $170,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,660 | $223,417▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 5,000▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Phoenix is $53,772 (100.83%). Phoenix's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $51,730,Phoenix spans $172,542. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($103,664 effective) pays 91.47% more than Flagstaff ($54,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,101/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,417)
- ✓Larger job market (5,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,664)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Flagstaff grew -17.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 40.8% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$62,170 (2021) → $51,625 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$73,660 (2019) → $103,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Flagstaff or Phoenix?
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Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Phoenix as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Flagstaff vs Phoenix?
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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