Sacramento vs Riverside: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Sacramento, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,172▲ | $99,271 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.55▲ | $47.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,905▲ | $67,651 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,751▲ | $81,431 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,824 | $167,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $325,447▲ | $306,181 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 830 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Riverside is $32,901 (33.14%). Sacramento's median is +21.78% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $254,542,Riverside spans $238,530. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($123,907 effective) pays 32.86% more than Riverside ($93,263 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,172/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($325,447)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,907)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Sacramento grew 45.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$88,140 (2019) → $127,950 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$64,390 (2019) → $96,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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