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Financial Advisor I Salary in the United States

How much does a Financial Advisor I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Financial Advisor I in the United States is $55,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Financial Advisor I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,524
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,793 to $61,370
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,586
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Financial Advisor I Salaries

A Financial Advisor I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Financial Advisor I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Financial Advisor I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Financial Advisor I (0-2 years): $55,709
  • Financial Advisor II (2-4 years): $74,046
  • Financial Advisor III (4-7 years): $89,601
  • Financial Advisor IV (7+ years): $107,984
  • Financial Advising Director (7+ years): $218,718
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Financial Advisor I0-2 years$55,709
Financial Advisor II2-4 years$74,046
Financial Advisor III4-7 years$89,601
Financial Advisor IV7+ years$107,984
Financial Advising Director7+ years$218,718
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How Do Financial Advisor Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Financial Advisor Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $61,681.
  • California: $61,447.
  • Massachusetts: $60,628.

Top Paying Cities for Financial Advisor I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $70,266
  • San Francisco: $69,496
  • Oakland: $68,032

Financial Advisor I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Financial Advisor I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,979. While startup companies pay approximate $50,834.

Financial Advisor I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,834
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,748
Established 501~5000 $57,941
Enterprise 5000+ $59,979

Financial Advisor I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Financial Advisor I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 45% above the average. In contrast, Financial Advisor positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Financial Advisor I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Financial Advisor I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$80,778$39.045%
Business Services$61,280$29.010%

Financial Advisor I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Financial Advisor I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$47,793
Average $55,709/year
$61,370
$3,983
Average $4,642/month
$5,114
$919
Average $1,071/week
$1,180
$23
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,370 $5,114 $1,180 $30
Average $55,709 $4,642 $1,071 $27
25th Percentile $47,793 $3,983 $919 $23

Financial Advisor I Salary Growth & Career Path

Financial Advisor I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Financial Advisor I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Financial Advisor II $74,046 33%
Private Banker II $86,519 55%

Most common benefits for Financial Advisor I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Financial Advisor I

Here are companies hiring for Financial Advisor I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Financial Advisor I

1. Where can a Financial Advisor I earn the most?

A Financial Advisor I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Financial Advisor I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Financial Advisor I is $70,266.

2. What is the highest pay for Financial Advisor I?

The highest pay for Financial Advisor I is $66,524.

3. What is the lowest pay for Financial Advisor I?

The lowest pay for Financial Advisor I is $40,586.

4. What are the responsibilities of Financial Advisor I?

Develops individualized wealth management financial plans and recommendations to help clients attain financial goals. Assesses clients' financial situations, including income, assets, liabilities, and risk tolerance, to develop tailored financial strategies and estate plans. Recommends investment products, insurance, retirement plans, and tax-efficient solutions aligned with client objectives. Monitors market trends and client portfolios to adjust strategies as needed and ensure optimal performance. Keeps abreast of new financial products to inform and advise clients on potential benefits. May be involved with selling or coordinating the purchase of additional financial products or services to clients. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Financial Advisor I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Financial Advisor I roles, with salaries approximately 45% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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