Financial Advisor vs Financial Controller: 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.
Financial Controller
Oversee accounting operations and ensure financial reporting accuracy.
Financial Advisor earns more on average — the national median is $21,390/year (26%) higher than a Financial Controller. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Advisor vs Financial Controller — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Advisor | Financial Controller | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,208 | $118,608 | Financial +$36,600 |
| New York, NY | $123,872 | $99,857 | Financial +$24,015 |
| Seattle, WA | $147,914 | $116,840 | Financial +$31,074 |
| Austin, TX | $120,423 | $95,143 | Financial +$25,280 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,593 | $87,358 | Financial +$28,235 |
| Boston, MA | $138,889 | $111,873 | Financial +$27,016 |
| London, UK | £82,815 | £66,637 | Financial +$16,178 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,369 | CA$108,997 | Financial +$26,372 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Advisor or Financial Controller 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 Financial Controller — a difference of $21,390 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Advisor or Financial Controller?+
Financial Advisor roles are growing at 15% YoY while Financial Controller demand is growing at 8% YoY. Financial Advisor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Advisor to Financial Controller?+
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 Financial Controller?+
Financial Advisor has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.