How much does a Financial Advisor make in 2026?
The national median Financial Advisor salary is $99,580 per year. Financial advisors help individuals plan for retirement, manage investments, and make tax-efficient financial decisions.
Financial Advisor salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,400 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $129,500 | View → |
| New York, NY | $127,500 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $114,500 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $111,500 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $109,500 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $105,600 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $103,600 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $98,600 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $97,600 | View → |
What does a Financial Advisor do?
Financial advisors help individuals plan for retirement, manage investments, and make tax-efficient financial decisions.
- Meet with clients
- Build financial plans
- Review portfolios
- Research investment options
- Maintain client records
How to become a Financial Advisor
A bachelor's in finance, economics or business is standard. Most advisors hold Series 7 / Series 65 licenses and many pursue the CFP certification.
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FAQ — Financial Advisor salary
What is the average Financial Advisor salary in the United States?+
The national median Financial Advisor salary is $99,580 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Financial Advisors the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $141,400/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Financial Advisor make?+
Entry-level Financial Advisors typically earn around $91,900 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Financial Advisor job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth of +13% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Financial Advisor?+
A bachelor's in finance, economics or business is standard. Most advisors hold Series 7 / Series 65 licenses and many pursue the CFP certification.
Are you being paid fairly?
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