Financial Advisor · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Advisor Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Advisors in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$83,000 vs $112,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Charlotte, NC
$81,373 vs $69,136
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Charlotte, NC
$71,805 vs $60,688
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $112,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $86,240▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $143,360▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $179,200▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $81,373▲ | $69,136 | +$12,237 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $73,241 | $98,314▲ | -$25,073 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $71,805▲ | $60,688 | +$11,117 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 33,600 | -17,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $29,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $112,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Charlotte, NC provides better purchasing power ($81,373 vs $69,136 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.