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Financial Advisor Salary in Chicago, IL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Chicago's cost of living (index: 114). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Financial Advisor Salary in Chicago β€” Key Numbers

$113,521
Median Salary
$68,525
25th Percentile
$187,473
75th Percentile
$272,688
90th Percentile
National median (Financial Advisor)$99,580
vs. National median+14.0%
Chicago median household income$70,100
vs. City household income+61.9%

Cost of Living in Chicago

Cost of Living Index
114(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,288/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.2%
Annual rent cost$27,456
Median Home Price$315,000
Home Price / Salary2.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$63,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Chicago

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
9,560,000
Metro Population
31 min
Avg Commute
36.7
Median Age

Chicago has a metro population of 9,560,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Advisor Salary β€” Other Illinois Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Chicago, IL?

The estimated median salary for a Financial Advisor in Chicago is $113,521 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,580 adjusted by Chicago's cost of living index (114). The typical salary range runs from $68,525 (25th percentile) to $187,473 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $272,688.

Is Chicago affordable for a Financial Advisor?

On a $113,521 annual salary, a Financial Advisor in Chicago would spend approximately 24.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,288/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Chicago relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $315,000 is 2.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Financial Advisor's salary compare to Chicago's overall income?

Chicago's median household income is $70,100. A Financial Advisor earning the city-adjusted median of $113,521 earns 61.9% more than the typical Chicago household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.