If you are looking for financial advisor salary information in the USA, this guide covers how much financial advisors make per year, per hour and per month, along with financial advisor salary by state, starting salary, experienced advisor pay and the states where personal financial advisors can earn the most. A financial advisor helps people manage money, investments, retirement planning, taxes and other long-term financial goals. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median personal financial advisor salary was about $105,070 per year in May 2025, or around $50.51 per hour. But financial advisor income can be very different depending on state, experience, employer, clients and how the advisor is paid. Some experienced advisors also earn bonuses, commissions or other compensation, so the actual income can be much higher than a basic salary.
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Financial Advisor Salary in the USA
A financial advisor salary in the USA can be a good income for people who build strong finance knowledge and good client relationships. Personal financial advisors normally help individuals understand their money and make plans for retirement, investments, insurance and other financial needs. The work is not only about numbers. Advisors also spend a lot of time talking with clients, explaining financial products and building long-term trust.
The latest BLS data shows a median annual wage of $105,070 for personal financial advisors in May 2025. The median means half of advisors earned more than this amount and half earned less. The hourly median was $50.51. At the lower end, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,190, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $357,020 per year. This shows why the term average financial advisor salary can sometimes be confusing because income is spread across a very wide range.
| Financial Advisor Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | Less than $50,190 |
| 25th Percentile | About $72,440 |
| Median Financial Advisor Salary | $105,070 |
| 75th Percentile | About $176,790 |
| 90th Percentile | More than $357,020 |
These numbers are useful for understanding the overall financial advisor pay range. A new advisor may start much lower, while an established advisor with a large client base can earn considerably more. Self-employed advisors can also have income that does not look like a normal fixed salary because they may charge fees or receive commissions depending on their business model.
Financial Advisor Salary by State
Financial advisor salary by state can change a lot across the United States. Location, local demand, financial companies, client wealth and the cost of living all have an effect on pay. New York, New Jersey and California are among the states with the highest reported median pay for personal financial advisors in the latest state data.
The following table shows the annual median salary for personal financial advisors by state based on May 2025 BLS OEWS state data where published. It is important to understand that a state median is not the same thing as a guaranteed salary. Individual advisor income can be much lower or higher depending on the job and compensation structure.
| State | Financial Advisor Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,990 |
| Alaska | $78,690 |
| Arizona | $96,950 |
| Arkansas | $79,420 |
| California | $130,330 |
| Colorado | $89,280 |
| Connecticut | $129,720 |
| Delaware | $125,050 |
| Florida | $100,970 |
| Georgia | $101,450 |
| Hawaii | $76,070 |
| Idaho | $94,370 |
| Illinois | $120,130 |
| Indiana | $87,710 |
| Iowa | $92,310 |
| Kansas | $102,530 |
| Kentucky | $67,150 |
| Louisiana | Not Published |
| Maine | Not Published |
| Maryland | $99,880 |
| Massachusetts | $125,670 |
| Michigan | $77,930 |
| Minnesota | $102,660 |
| Mississippi | $63,300 |
| Missouri | $99,930 |
| Montana | $97,450 |
| Nebraska | $93,280 |
| Nevada | $92,720 |
| New Hampshire | $96,780 |
| New Jersey | $158,570 |
| New Mexico | $94,270 |
| New York | $166,400 |
| North Carolina | $96,880 |
| North Dakota | $76,870 |
| Ohio | $90,990 |
| Oklahoma | $68,670 |
| Oregon | $122,830 |
| Pennsylvania | $105,200 |
| Rhode Island | $80,200 |
| South Carolina | $96,330 |
| South Dakota | $128,720 |
| Tennessee | $84,160 |
| Texas | $99,160 |
| Utah | $77,390 |
| Vermont | $110,020 |
| Virginia | $102,640 |
| Washington | $114,050 |
| West Virginia | $80,010 |
| Wisconsin | $119,430 |
| Wyoming | $77,490 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State-level estimates can be suppressed when the published estimate does not meet BLS disclosure or reliability requirements.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Make?
So, how much does a financial advisor make in the United States? The short answer is that many personal financial advisors earn around or above six figures, but the actual number depends heavily on experience and the type of financial advisory work. The BLS median of $105,070 gives a useful national benchmark, but it should not be treated as the salary every advisor receives.
A person entering the field may earn much less than an experienced advisor. On the other side, an advisor who has many high-value clients, works at a large investment firm or runs a successful advisory practice can make well above $200,000. At the very top end, BLS data shows earnings above $357,020 for the highest 10 percent.
- Entry-level financial advisor: Usually starts below the national median.
- Mid-career financial advisor: Can move toward or above the six-figure range.
- Experienced financial advisor: Often has stronger earning potential through clients, bonuses and production.
- Senior financial advisor: May earn well above $150,000 depending on the firm and client base.
- High-earning advisor: Successful advisors with large books of business can earn several hundred thousand dollars.
Financial Advisor Salary Per Hour
The financial advisor salary per hour is about $50.51 at the national median according to the May 2025 BLS data. This is the official median hourly wage for personal financial advisors. Hourly income can look very different for self-employed advisors because some do not work on a simple hourly salary. They may charge clients a planning fee, an assets-under-management fee or receive other compensation.
For a normal employee, an hourly figure makes it easier to compare financial advisor pay with other careers. But for advisors, hourly wage does not always tell the complete income story. Bonuses, commissions and production incentives can have a big effect on total compensation at some firms.
Financial Advisor Salary Per Month
When people search for financial advisor salary per month, they normally want to know what the annual salary looks like as regular monthly income. A $105,070 annual median works out to roughly $8,756 per month before taxes when simply divided by 12.
This is only a basic monthly calculation. Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare and any applicable state or local taxes. Benefits, bonuses and commissions can also change the total yearly compensation.
- $105,070 yearly is about $8,756 per month before taxes.
- $120,000 yearly is about $10,000 per month before taxes.
- $150,000 yearly is about $12,500 per month before taxes.
- $200,000 yearly is about $16,667 per month before taxes.
Highest Paying States for Financial Advisors
The highest paying states for financial advisors are not all the same every year, but the latest May 2025 state data shows some very strong numbers in the Northeast and other high-income markets. New York has the highest reported median among the states listed, followed by New Jersey and California.
New York stands out with a median personal financial advisor salary of about $166,400 per year. New Jersey is next at about $158,570, while California is about $130,330. Connecticut and South Dakota also show high median wages in the latest state data.
- New York: $166,400 median salary
- New Jersey: $158,570 median salary
- California: $130,330 median salary
- Connecticut: $129,720 median salary
- South Dakota: $128,720 median salary
- Massachusetts: $125,670 median salary
- Delaware: $125,050 median salary
- Oregon: $122,830 median salary
These figures show why location is an important part of a financial advisor salary. But a high salary state may also have higher living costs, so salary alone should not be the only thing someone considers when choosing where to work.
Entry Level Financial Advisor Salary
The entry level financial advisor salary is usually lower than the national median because new advisors are still learning the business and building their client relationships. A new financial advisor may work under a senior advisor or financial planning firm before handling a large group of clients on their own.
Entry-level pay can also depend on how the company pays its advisors. Some firms offer a regular base salary with bonuses, while other positions may use commissions or a combination of salary and incentives. Because of this, two people with the same job title can have very different first-year income.
- New advisors may start with a base salary and performance bonus.
- Some financial firms use commission-based compensation.
- Building a client list can take time in the first few years.
- Licenses and professional qualifications can improve job opportunities.
- Income normally has more room to grow after gaining experience and clients.
Financial Advisor Starting Salary
The financial advisor starting salary is not one fixed amount across the USA. Location, employer, education, licenses and compensation model can all change the starting pay. A person joining a large financial services company may receive a structured salary, while someone entering an independent advisory business may have a different arrangement.
New advisors should also look beyond the advertised base salary. A job with a smaller base but a strong bonus program can sometimes produce better total compensation than a job with a higher fixed salary. On the other hand, commission-heavy jobs can have more income risk when the advisor is still building a customer base.
Financial Advisor Salary by Experience
Financial advisor salary by experience can increase significantly over a career. Experience is especially important in this profession because advisors often need time to develop investment knowledge, understand financial planning and build trust with clients.
An experienced advisor may also manage a larger amount of client assets and may be responsible for more complex financial plans. This can lead to higher compensation. Some advisors eventually become senior advisors, wealth managers, partners or owners of their own advisory firms.
| Career Stage | Typical Earning Potential |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Usually below the national median |
| Early Career | Growing income as experience and clients increase |
| Mid Career | Often around or above six figures |
| Senior Advisor | Can exceed $150,000 depending on role and compensation |
| Top Earning Advisor | Can reach several hundred thousand dollars |
These are broad career stages rather than guaranteed salary levels. Actual financial advisor income can be very different from one company or advisor to another.
Senior Financial Advisor Salary
A senior financial advisor salary can be considerably higher than the starting pay. Senior advisors usually have years of industry experience and may manage important client relationships, investment portfolios and financial planning strategies.
At this level, compensation may include a base salary, annual bonus, commissions, revenue sharing or other incentives. Advisors who have built a large and loyal client base can have especially strong earning potential.
- Senior advisors may manage high-value client accounts.
- They can work with retirement and investment planning.
- Some supervise junior financial advisors.
- They may receive performance-based bonuses.
- Some senior advisors eventually become partners or business owners.
Financial Advisor Income
Financial advisor income is different from a simple fixed salary in many jobs. Depending on the company and business model, an advisor can receive income from a combination of salary, bonuses, commissions and client fees.
This is one reason financial advisor earnings can have such a wide range. A new employee may have a predictable salary, while an established advisor who generates significant revenue for a firm may receive much larger total compensation.
Independent financial advisors can have an even different income structure. Instead of receiving only an employee paycheck, they may earn revenue from financial planning fees, investment management fees or other services. Business expenses must then be considered before treating all revenue as personal income.
Financial Advisor Compensation
Financial advisor compensation depends on the employer and the way the advisor serves clients. There is no single compensation model used by every financial advisory company.
- Base salary: A fixed amount paid by an employer.
- Bonus: Additional compensation based on performance or company results.
- Commission: Compensation connected to certain financial products or sales.
- Client fees: Some advisors charge clients directly for financial planning or investment management services.
- Revenue sharing: Certain advisory businesses compensate advisors based on revenue generated from their client relationships.
People comparing financial advisor jobs should therefore look at total compensation, not only the salary number shown in a job advertisement.
Financial Planner Salary
The term financial planner salary is sometimes used interchangeably with financial advisor salary, although the exact job duties can be different. A financial planner usually focuses strongly on helping clients create a complete plan for their financial future.
Planning may include retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, education costs and estate-related financial goals. Some financial planners work as personal financial advisors, while others work in specialized financial planning roles.
The earning potential can be strong because financial planning is often part of a broader advisory relationship. An advisor who provides several services to a client may have more opportunities to build long-term revenue.
Personal Financial Advisor Salary
Personal financial advisor salary is the more specific occupation term used by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals help people make decisions about investments, retirement, insurance, taxes and other financial matters.
The BLS reported a median annual wage of $105,070 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was $50.51. However, salary can vary widely depending on experience, location, industry and compensation structure.
The highest-paid advisors can earn far more than the national median. BLS data shows that the top 10 percent earned more than $357,020 per year in May 2025. This does not mean every experienced advisor will reach that level, but it shows the potential at the upper end of the profession.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Make a Year?
How much does a financial advisor make a year? The latest national BLS median gives a useful answer: about $105,070 per year. But actual annual earnings can range from below $50,000 to well above $300,000 depending on the advisor.
For someone starting a career, it is better to think about financial advisor income as a long-term earning range instead of expecting the national median immediately. Building knowledge, professional credentials and a client base can take several years.
- National median: about $105,070 per year.
- Median hourly wage: about $50.51.
- Lower 10 percent: less than $50,190.
- Upper 10 percent: more than $357,020.
- Successful senior advisors can earn substantially above the national median.
Can Financial Advisors Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, financial advisors can make $100,000 a year. In fact, the national median wage for personal financial advisors was already above $100,000 in May 2025. But reaching that income is not automatic for every new advisor.
Experience, location, employer, client relationships and compensation structure all matter. An advisor who develops strong financial knowledge and builds a stable client base may have a much better chance of moving into the six-figure income range.
Can Financial Advisors Make $200,000 a Year?
Yes. Experienced financial advisors can potentially make $200,000 or more per year, particularly when their compensation includes bonuses, commissions or revenue based on a large client base.
However, $200,000 should be viewed as a higher-level earning possibility rather than the normal salary for every advisor. The BLS wage distribution shows that income at the top of this occupation can become very high, but many advisors earn considerably less.
What Affects Financial Advisor Salary?
Several factors can affect a financial advisor salary. Two advisors working in different companies can have completely different earnings even if their job titles are identical.
- Location: Salary can vary significantly from one state to another.
- Experience: Experienced advisors often have stronger earning potential.
- Client base: More established client relationships can increase revenue.
- Employer: Banks, investment firms and independent advisory businesses may use different pay structures.
- Education: A finance, business or economics background can help with entry into the field.
- Professional licenses: Required licenses can depend on the services and products an advisor offers.
- Certifications: Additional professional credentials may help an advisor stand out.
- Compensation model: Salary, bonus, commission and fee-based models can produce different total income.
What Does a Financial Advisor Do?
A financial advisor does much more than simply tell someone where to invest money. Advisors first need to understand a client's financial situation and goals. They may then create recommendations that help the client manage money over a longer period.
The exact work depends on the advisor's specialty and the company they work for. Some focus heavily on investments, while others provide broader financial planning services.
- Talk with clients about financial goals.
- Review income, expenses and financial assets.
- Develop investment and retirement strategies.
- Help clients understand financial risks.
- Recommend suitable financial products or services.
- Monitor investment and financial plans.
- Update plans when a client's financial situation changes.
- Explain complicated financial information in simple language.
Is Financial Advisor a Good Career?
For people who enjoy finance and working with clients, becoming a financial advisor can be a good career choice. The profession has strong earning potential, especially for people who become experienced and build a solid client base.
However, the job also comes with pressure. Advisors need to communicate well, understand financial products and maintain long-term relationships with clients. Some positions also involve sales responsibilities, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
The BLS projects about 1% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and expects around 17,100 openings each year on average. Many of these openings are expected to come from workers leaving the occupation or retiring rather than from very fast overall employment growth.
Financial Advisor Career Outlook
The financial advisor career outlook remains connected to the growing need for people to plan for retirement and manage their personal finances. As people live longer and retirement planning becomes more complicated, professional financial advice can remain useful.
Technology is also changing the industry. Online investment platforms and automated financial tools can handle some basic services, but human advisors can still provide personal guidance, explain difficult decisions and help clients deal with more complicated financial situations.
For someone considering this career, the strongest long-term opportunity may come from combining financial knowledge with good communication and client relationship skills. The people who can explain financial ideas clearly and earn client trust may have better opportunities to grow their income.
Financial Advisor Education Requirements
People interested in becoming a financial advisor normally need education in a related field such as finance, business, economics, accounting or a similar subject. A bachelor's degree is commonly expected by employers, especially for positions at financial services companies and investment firms.
Education is important because financial advisors need to understand investments, risk, retirement planning, taxes and personal finance. But a degree alone does not make someone a successful advisor. Communication, analytical thinking and the ability to explain financial information to clients are also very important.
- Finance can provide a strong background in investments and markets.
- Accounting can help with understanding income, expenses and financial statements.
- Economics can help with understanding markets and economic conditions.
- Business degrees can be useful for financial planning and client management.
- Strong communication skills are important when working directly with clients.
Financial Advisor License and Certification
Licensing requirements for a financial advisor depend on the type of services the person provides and the financial products they sell or recommend. Advisors who sell securities or certain investment products may need securities registrations and licenses. The exact requirements can therefore be different from one position to another.
Some advisors also choose professional certifications to improve their knowledge and credibility. One well-known credential is the Certified Financial Planner, or CFP, certification. It is not required for every financial advisor job, but additional credentials can be useful for professionals who want to focus on comprehensive financial planning.
People should always check the current requirements from the appropriate regulatory organization and their employer before starting an advisory career because licensing rules can change depending on the role.
Financial Advisor Skills
A successful financial advisor needs a combination of financial knowledge and people skills. Knowing how investments work is important, but advisors also have to understand what a client actually wants and explain possible choices without making the conversation too complicated.
- Financial and investment knowledge
- Communication and listening skills
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- Client relationship management
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of financial markets
- Sales and business development skills for some positions
- Ability to explain complex information in simple words
Financial Advisor Salary by Industry
The financial advisor salary by industry can also be different. Financial advisors work in several parts of the financial services industry, including investment companies, banks, insurance-related businesses and financial planning firms.
The BLS reports that personal financial advisors can work in securities, commodity contracts, financial investment and related activities, credit intermediation, insurance-related industries and other organizations. Compensation can vary depending on the type of employer and the advisor's responsibilities.
A large investment company may have a structured compensation system, while an independent financial planning practice may use a different model. Advisors should therefore compare both base pay and total compensation when considering job offers.
Financial Advisor Benefits
Financial advisor jobs with established employers may also include employee benefits in addition to salary. Benefits depend on the company and the specific position, so they should not be assumed for every financial advisor job.
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan contributions
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Performance bonuses
- Professional development support
- Life or disability insurance in some companies
- Flexible or hybrid work options at some employers
For an employee, these benefits can make a noticeable difference in total compensation. A job offering a slightly lower salary but stronger benefits may sometimes provide better overall value.
Financial Advisor Career Path
The financial advisor career path can develop in several directions. A person may begin as an entry-level advisor or financial planning associate and later move into a senior advisor position. With enough experience, some professionals move into wealth management, portfolio management or leadership.
Another option is starting an independent financial advisory business. This can offer more control over the business and client relationships, but it also comes with additional responsibility and business expenses.
- Financial Planning Assistant
- Entry-Level Financial Advisor
- Financial Advisor
- Senior Financial Advisor
- Wealth Manager or Senior Wealth Advisor
- Financial Planning Manager
- Partner or Firm Owner
How to Increase Financial Advisor Salary
There is no guaranteed method to increase a financial advisor salary, but several things can help a professional become more valuable in the market. Experience is one major factor. Building strong relationships with clients can also be important, especially in compensation models connected to revenue or assets managed.
- Gain more experience in financial planning and investments.
- Build strong long-term client relationships.
- Develop knowledge of retirement planning and wealth management.
- Earn relevant professional credentials when useful for the role.
- Improve communication and presentation skills.
- Learn how to explain financial products clearly.
- Consider higher-level financial planning or wealth management positions.
- Compare total compensation when changing employers.
Financial Advisor Salary Compared With Other Finance Jobs
People searching for financial advisor salary often compare it with other finance careers. Financial advisor is one of several occupations where income can grow with experience, responsibility and performance.
Unlike some finance jobs that mainly involve working with financial models or company accounts, financial advisors spend a large amount of time working directly with individuals and families. Someone who enjoys client interaction may prefer this career, while a person who prefers analysis without frequent client meetings may choose another finance occupation.
The right career depends on the person's education, skills, interests and preferred working style. Salary is important, but it should not be the only factor when choosing a career.
Financial Advisor Job Demand in the USA
The demand for financial advice is connected to retirement planning, investment management and the financial decisions people need to make during different stages of life. Financial advisors can work with younger clients building wealth as well as older clients planning retirement.
According to the BLS, employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Although this is slower than many occupations, the BLS expects about 17,100 openings each year over the decade on average.
These openings include jobs created when existing workers retire or leave the occupation. So a low overall growth rate does not mean there will be no opportunities for new financial advisors.
Is Financial Advisor a High Paying Job?
A financial advisor can be a high paying job, especially after gaining experience and developing a strong client base. The national median wage of $105,070 in May 2025 puts the occupation above the six-figure level at the median.
However, the profession also has a wide income range. Some advisors earn below $60,000, while highly successful advisors can earn several hundred thousand dollars. The compensation structure is one of the biggest reasons for this difference.
Someone considering this career should understand that becoming a high-earning advisor normally takes time. Building trust with clients and developing a stable business does not happen overnight.
Financial Advisor Salary: Key Takeaways
The financial advisor salary in the USA is influenced by state, experience, education, employer and compensation structure. The latest BLS data gives a national median annual wage of $105,070 for personal financial advisors in May 2025.
- Median annual salary: $105,070
- Median hourly wage: $50.51
- Lower 10 percent: less than $50,190
- Highest 10 percent: more than $357,020
- Projected employment growth, 2025–2035: 1%
- Average annual openings: about 17,100
- New York has one of the highest reported state median salaries.
- Experience and client relationships can strongly affect total income.
Final Thoughts on Financial Advisor Salary
A career as a financial advisor can offer good earning potential and the chance to build long-term professional relationships with clients. The national financial advisor salary is already above $100,000 at the median, but individual pay can be much different depending on where the advisor works and how the advisor is compensated.
For someone starting out, the first years may be more about learning the business, gaining licenses, developing financial knowledge and building client trust. Over time, an experienced advisor can move into senior financial planning, wealth management or even operate an independent advisory business.
The most important thing is to look at the complete picture. Salary, bonuses, commissions, benefits, location, career growth and the type of clients all matter when comparing financial advisor jobs. With the right skills and experience, this profession can become a strong long-term finance career in the United States.