Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $50,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Phoenix, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,875 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Phoenix's local price level (BEA RPP 103.3 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,242 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,101) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the financial advising field in Phoenix, AZ, should brace for a starting financial advisor salary of around $50,875 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $107,101, illustrating the typical gap that new professionals face as they begin their careers. However, the entry-level pay isn’t static. With experience, one can expect to see salaries rise to approximately $66,814, showing a potential growth trajectory as new graduates build their client bases and hone their skills. Given current labor trends, Phoenix remains a promising market for fresh graduates. The city's evolving financial landscape, combined with a projected annual growth rate of 3.30%, suggests that there are opportunities for motivated individuals willing to invest in their professional development.
Career Earnings Timeline in Phoenix
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 Phoenix
Entry-level financial advisors in Phoenix, AZ typically start between $50,875 and $66,814 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $172,542 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,101 — 1.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Arizona of $45,000 represents just 88.45% of the starting financial advisor pay ($50,875/year) in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix
- 1Research the Phoenix market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $50,875 to $66,814, 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Phoenix'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 Phoenix is $172,542 ( 339.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,875, experienced hygienists can earn up to $223,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,630
2025 BLS Actual
$49,250
2026 Current Est.
$50,875
2019–2027 Growth
+15.2%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,554 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Phoenix, AZ grew 7.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,630 in 2019 to $49,250 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,554. New graduates entering the Phoenix job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Those seeking entry-level positions in Phoenix's financial advisory sector should focus on employers known for hiring new graduates, such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual. These organizations offer structured training programs along with bonuses, which can complement initial earnings. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are also expanding their search for associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, while traditional wirehouses are increasingly shifting their focus to employee models. To enhance their starting financial advisor salary in Phoenix, new hires are encouraged to obtain relevant certifications, including Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, and consider pursuing the CFP designation, which is becoming the gold standard in the industry. In the first few years, those entering positions within the RIA space can anticipate compensation tied to assets under management, typically around 1% of assets, offering a clearer path for growth compared to commission-based positions at wirehouses. As the industry continues to evolve, developing a robust foundation in compliance and client servicing will be crucial for salary advancements in this competitive field.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Phoenix in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Phoenix?
Is financial planning school worth it in Phoenix?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Phoenix?
How do I become a financial advisor in Arizona?
Related Pages
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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 Phoenix. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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