Financial Advisor vs Certified Public Accountant: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Advisor
Provide personalised financial planning and investment advice to clients.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Financial Advisor earns more on average — the national median is $21,390/year (26%) higher than a Certified Public Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Advisor vs Certified Public Accountant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Advisor | Certified Public Accountant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,208 | $122,052 | Financial +$33,156 |
| New York, NY | $123,872 | $101,470 | Financial +$22,402 |
| Seattle, WA | $147,914 | $115,604 | Financial +$32,310 |
| Austin, TX | $120,423 | $94,883 | Financial +$25,540 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,593 | $92,214 | Financial +$23,379 |
| Boston, MA | $138,889 | $107,079 | Financial +$31,810 |
| London, UK | £82,815 | £67,379 | Financial +$15,436 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,369 | CA$108,659 | Financial +$26,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Advisor or Certified Public Accountant earn more?+
A Financial Advisor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Advisor is $105,070/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Certified Public Accountant — a difference of $21,390 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Advisor or Certified Public Accountant?+
Financial Advisor roles are growing at 15% YoY while Certified Public Accountant demand is growing at 8% YoY. Financial Advisor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Advisor to Certified Public Accountant?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Advisor or Certified Public Accountant?+
Financial Advisor has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.