Financial Advisor Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$88,000
national median salary
$62,000 to $125,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$119,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$91,000
San Diego, CA
Lowest Paying
$78,000
St. Louis, MO
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Financial Advisor salary in the United States is $88,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $62,000 at the 25th percentile to $125,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $119,000, while San Diego offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Assets under management (AUM) and client acquisition ability are the dominant pay factors.
Financial Advisor salary by city
What you should know
Assets under management (AUM) and client acquisition ability are the dominant pay factors. Advisors managing $50 million or more in AUM earn substantially more through fee-based compensation. The wirehouse versus independent RIA distinction matters: wirehouses offer higher base salaries, while independent advisors have higher long-term earnings potential.
Associate advisors earn $50,000 to $70,000 during training. Advisors with established books earn $80,000 to $130,000. Senior advisors managing $50 million or more in AUM reach $150,000 to $250,000. Partners and principals at RIA firms with large AUM can earn $300,000 to $1 million or more.
Fee-based advisors earn 0.5 to 1.5% of AUM annually, making a $100 million book worth $500,000 to $1.5 million in annual revenue before firm payout. Commission-based advisors earn front-end loads and trailing commissions. Production bonuses and retention bonuses add 10 to 30% at wirehouses.