Personal Financial Advisors: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 270,480 personal financial advisors, and they earn a median of $102,140/year. The range runs from starting around $50K. New York pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level personal financial advisors start around $50K. The gap between that and the median ($102K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $168K | 28,820 |
| Idaho | $136K | 930 |
| California | $129K | 34,070 |
| Delaware | $128K | 600 |
| New Jersey | $124K | 6,830 |
| South Dakota | $123K | 500 |
| Maryland | $123K | 5,560 |
| Wisconsin | $116K | 5,240 |
| Washington | $112K | 6,510 |
| Connecticut | $107K | 3,990 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a personal financial advisors make?▼
The median personal financial advisors salary in the United States is $102,140 per year ($49/hour). Entry-level positions start around $49,990, while experienced professionals earn up to $0.
What education do you need to become a personal financial advisors?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for personal financial advisors?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for personal financial advisors.
What are the highest paying states for personal financial advisors?▼
The highest paying states for personal financial advisors are New York ($167,970), Idaho ($136,440), California ($128,650), Delaware ($128,170), New Jersey ($123,690). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.