Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in DeLand, FL: $55,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the DeLand, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,871 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out DeLand's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,428 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,328) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory profession in DeLand, Florida, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $55,871. This figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $96,328, creating a notable gap that first-year advisors need to consider. However, with the potential for growth within a few years, newcomers can realistically aim for a salary around $69,860 after gaining experience, edging closer to the median as they develop their skills and client base. The local market offers promising opportunities, particularly for fresh graduates eager to establish themselves in this growing field, as DeLand’s financial landscape continues to evolve.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in DeLand
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 DeLand
Entry-level financial advisors in DeLand, FL typically start between $55,871 and $69,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,438 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,328 — 11.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Florida of $40,000 represents just 71.59% of the starting financial advisor pay ($55,871/year) in DeLand. 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 DeLand
- 1Research the DeLand market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $55,871 to $69,860, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in DeLand, 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 DeLand for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5DeLand'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 DeLand is $93,438 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,871, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,284
2025 BLS Actual
$54,086
2026 Current Est.
$55,871
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,225 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,715 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in DeLand, FL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,284 in 2019 to $54,086 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,715. New graduates entering the DeLand job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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 DeLand
In DeLand, several employers actively seek out entry-level financial advisors, predominantly agencies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which offer structured ramp-up periods and commission bonuses for new hires. Wirehouses, though contracting, provide valuable training programs for ambitious candidates, while Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) often target those with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) background. To enhance their starting financial advisor pay in FL, aspiring professionals should pursue relevant credentials, including the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with optional designations such as CFP and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). With the industry bifurcating into commission-based and fee-only models, new advisors should align their career strategy with the growing trend of RIAs, predicting an upward trajectory in their earnings during the first three years. While the path may be challenging, growth possibilities remain abundant for those who leverage their education and maintain their commitment to professional development in the dynamic DeLand market.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
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 DeLand. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeLand 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