As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Financial Advisor in the United States is $61,199 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Principal Financial Advisor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Financial Advisor'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Financial Advisor'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Financial Advisor | $60,458 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Financial Advisor | $60,670 |
| Senior Level Principal Financial Advisor | $63,331 |
| Specialist Level Principal Financial Advisor | $66,381 |
| Expert Level Principal Financial Advisor | $66,599 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Principal Financial Advisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | 2.61% |
| Medical Services | 3.91% |
| Radiation Therapy | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Health Administration
|
$69,154 |
13%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$68,542 |
12%
|
|
Computer Systems
|
$66,094 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$65,483 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,259 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,259 |
5%
|
For Principal Financial Advisor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Principal Financial Advisor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Principal Financial Advisor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $67,318 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Principal Financial Advisors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Principal Financial Advisor with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $59,162 and $62,892).
Principal Financial Advisor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 21.2% |
| High School | 21.2% |
| Associates | 40.7% |
| Bachelors | 29.7% |
| Masters | 8.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Principal Financial Advisor'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, 2026Salaries for a Principal Financial Advisor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $53,319 in 2023 to around $53,449 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Financial Advisor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $53,319 |
| 2024 | $53,807 |
| 2025 | $53,449 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Principal Financial Advisor roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.)
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