Hillsboro vs Salem: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,772▲ | $107,473 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.39▲ | $51.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,267▲ | $61,112 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,436▲ | $78,994 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,107▲ | $136,656 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,146 | $393,232▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro and Salem are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $22,299 (20.75%). Hillsboro's median is +19.56% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $125,879,Salem spans $332,120. Salem 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, Hillsboro ($126,483 effective) pays 21.98% more than Salem ($103,689 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,772/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,483)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,232)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Hillsboro grew 16.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$108,104 (2024) → $125,626 (2025)
Salem, OR
$80,600 (2019) → $104,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Hillsboro or Salem?
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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