Financial Advisor pay
What financial advisors earn — and keep — in 2026
Personal financial advisors help individuals plan investments, retirement, taxes and estates, earning through salary, fees, commissions or assets-under-management. The BLS puts the median personal financial advisor at $102,140 (May 2024), with the top 10% above $239,000. Pay scales sharply with your book of clients and fee model.
Where a financial advisor's paycheck goes
On the $102,140 median, a single advisor sits in the 22% federal bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Advisors can lower taxable income with a 401(k), SEP-IRA or solo 401(k); enter contributions in the pre-tax field.
The highest-paying states for financial advisors
Wages run highest in New York, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey — the financial-center states. These pay well but tax heavily, so a strong practice in no-tax Texas or Florida maximizes take-home.
Compare financial advisor pay with other careers
See how a financial advisor compares with an accountant, an insurance agent or a project manager.
Questions
Financial Advisor Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a financial advisor make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $102,140 for personal financial advisors (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $239,000. Pay varies widely with the advisor's fee model, book of clients and assets under management.
What is a financial advisor's take-home pay on $102,140?
A single advisor earning the $102,140 median takes home roughly $79,000 to $81,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and a few thousand dollars less where state income tax applies. Enter your own salary and state above for an exact figure.
Do financial advisors earn salary or commission?
It depends on the model. Bank and wirehouse advisors often draw a base salary plus bonus, fee-only RIAs earn recurring fees on assets under management, and some advisors earn product commissions. Independent advisors who own their practice are typically self-employed and owe the full 15.3% self-employment tax.
Which states pay financial advisors the most?
New York, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey — the major financial centers — report the highest average advisor wages, but all have state income tax. A high-earning advisor in a no-tax state like Texas or Florida keeps more of each dollar.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Personal Financial Advisors (median $102,140, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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