Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Denver, CO: $59,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Denver, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,800 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denver's local price level (BEA RPP 105.8 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,531 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,998) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the financial advisory field in Denver can anticipate a starting salary of around $59,800. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $101,998, highlighting a significant gap that reflects the typical income progression in the early years of a financial advising career. As entry-level advisors gain experience, salaries generally rise, with positions earning approximately $67,496 by the 25th percentile marking a noticeable improvement for those stepping into this role. With Denver’s growing demand for financial services, coupled with a projected annual growth rate of 3.30%, the market appears favorable for new graduates seeking opportunities within the financial planning sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denver
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 Denver
Entry-level financial advisors in Denver, CO typically start between $59,800 and $67,496 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $244,697 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,998 — 6.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Colorado of $58,000 represents just 96.99% of the starting financial advisor pay ($59,800/year) in Denver. 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 Denver
- 1Research the Denver market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $59,800 to $67,496, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Denver, 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 Denver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denver'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 Denver is $244,697 ( 409.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,800, experienced hygienists can earn up to $304,497.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,640
2025 BLS Actual
$57,890
2026 Current Est.
$59,800
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,774 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Denver, CO grew 29.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,640 in 2019 to $57,890 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,774. New graduates entering the Denver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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 Denver
Several prominent employers in Denver are keen on recruiting fresh talent for financial advisory roles. Institutions such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often provide structured ramp-up programs and bonus incentives to support new advisors, making these organizations great starting points. Many individuals also consider roles within Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), which are increasingly hiring entry-level graduates who have pursued the CFP credential, the gold standard in financial planning. Additional qualifications like Series 7 and Series 66 licenses can significantly enhance one’s prospects and potential starting pay in Colorado. Given the ongoing bifurcation in the financial services industry—where RIAs are rapidly expanding while wirehouses often emphasize commission-based models—new financial advisors must strategize their career paths carefully. With realistic expectations for salary advancement, early-career professionals can expect progressive pay increases as they navigate the evolving landscape of financial advisory services in Denver.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denver. 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