Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Glendale, AZ: $33,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Glendale, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,272 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glendale's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,779 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,365) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting financial advisor salary in Glendale, AZ, for new graduates in 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities. With entry-level positions typically beginning around $33,272, graduates may find they are entering a competitive market that offers potential growth. This starting salary, while lower than the city’s median of $57,365, sets a foundation for advancement as experience accumulates. Over the first three to five years, advisors can expect to progress through pay brackets; moving from the 10th percentile salary toward 25th percentile earnings of $41,302 before reaching the median. This growth trajectory, along with Glendale’s relatively favorable cost of living at 98.5 on the index compared to the national average, makes the area a viable option for new financial advisors looking to establish their careers.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glendale
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
Entry-level financial advisors in Glendale, AZ typically start between $33,272 and $41,302 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,365 — 47.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Arizona of $45,000 represents just 135.25% of the starting financial advisor pay ($33,272/year) in Glendale. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition plus licensing exam fees (Series 7, 63/66) and optional CFP certification program costs. Continuing education is required for license maintenance.
CFP, FA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Glendale
- 1Research the Glendale market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $33,272 to $41,302, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the financial planning field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Glendale, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Glendale for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Glendale's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Financial Advisor Compensation Range
The financial advisor wage spread in Glendale is $55,643 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,272, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,915.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,563
2025 BLS Actual
$32,209
2026 Current Est.
$33,272
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,301 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,272 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,370 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Glendale, AZ grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,563 in 2019 to $32,209 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,370. New graduates entering the Glendale job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.30% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your financial planning Career in Glendale
In Glendale, several employers are actively recruiting new grads for entry-level financial advising positions. Insurance agencies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often seek out recent graduates, offering structured onboarding programs that include a combination of salary and commission-based pay as well as bonuses. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly hiring Associate Advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, paving the way for a sustainable career path in fee-only arrangements. To enhance starting pay, licensure is key; a Bachelor's degree is vital, along with passing the Series 7 and Series 66 exams. Additionally, pursuing the CFP qualification can significantly boost a young advisor's marketability, given the industry's shift towards fiduciary responsibility and the fee-based model. For new graduates, the expectation of gradual salary growth in the first couple of years aligns with the broader industry trend, where those who focus on building a solid clientele may find compensation tied to assets under management as they gain experience.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Glendale in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Glendale?
Is financial planning school worth it in Glendale?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Glendale?
How do I become a financial advisor in Arizona?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new financial planning graduates. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Glendale. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov