Salary Outlook
Financial adviser salaries are above average—median annual wages were $66,580 in 2011, with the lowest-paid 10 percent earning around $32,810 and the highest-paid 10 percent earning more than $187,199. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metro areas of Bridgeport, Conn., Fayetteville, Ark., and New York City.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $101,560.00 |
| 2004 | $84,380.00 |
| 2006 | $88,450.00 |
| 2008 | $95,050.00 |
| 2010 | $91,220.00 |
Average Financial Adviser Pay vs. All Business Jobs
The median salary for a financial adviser was $66,580 in 2011. That salary is mid-range compared with other occupations on our list of the Best Business Jobs. For example, a financial analyst made a median salary of $75,650 in 2011, a sales manager made $101,640, and a marketing manager made $116,010.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $116,010.00 |
| Financial Manager | $107,160.00 |
| Sales Manager | $101,640.00 |
| Financial Analyst | $75,650.00 |
| Financial Adviser | $66,580.00 |
See Complete List of Best Business Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Financial Advisers
The highest paid in the financial adviser profession work in the metropolitan areas of Bridgeport, CT, Fayetteville, AR, and New York City, NY. The Charlottesville, VA area also pays well, as does the city of San Francisco, CA.
Bridgeport, CT
Average Salary: $144,790 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a financial adviser working in Bridgeport, CT is $144,790, which is $78,210 more than the average pay in the profession.
Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $140,050 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a financial adviser working in Fayetteville, AR is $140,050, which is $73,470 more than the average pay in the profession.
New York City, NY
Average Salary: $136,000 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a financial adviser working in New York City, NY is $136,000, which is $69,420 more than the average pay in the profession.
Charlottesville, VA
Average Salary: $132,510 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a financial adviser working in Charlottesville, VA is $132,510, which is $65,930 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $130,070 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a financial adviser working in San Francisco, CA is $130,070, which is $63,490 more than the average pay in the profession.
