Norfolk vs Roanoke: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Norfolk, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,911▲ | $94,716 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.07▲ | $45.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,788▲ | $52,797 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,496 | $71,236▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,326 | $160,001▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,762 | $398,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 54 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk and Roanoke are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Roanoke is $3,195 (3.37%). Norfolk's median is -9.79% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $94,974,Roanoke spans $345,724. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($101,173 effective) pays 6.64% more than Norfolk ($94,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,911/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($398,521)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,173)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Norfolk grew -25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$127,301 (2024) → $94,783 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$89,180 (2019) → $91,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Norfolk or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Roanoke as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Norfolk vs Roanoke?
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