Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Hilo, HI: $71,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,267 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,738 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,873) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the entry-level financial advisor salary is set at $71,267 in 2026, which represents a significant starting point for new graduates entering the industry. This initial earning potential contrasts with the city's median salary of $122,873, highlighting a substantial gap that early-career advisors can work to close. Over the first three to five years, individuals can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, progressing to $88,469 at the 25th percentile and possibly reaching the median as they develop their client base, skills, and industry knowledge. With a projected growth rate of 3.30% annually, Hilo can be a promising market for fresh grads looking to establish themselves in a growing field.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level financial advisors in Hilo, HI typically start between $71,267 and $88,469 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,186 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,873 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Hawaii of $55,000 represents just 77.17% of the starting financial advisor pay ($71,267/year) in Hilo. 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 Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $71,267 to $88,469, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Financial Advisor Compensation Range
The financial advisor wage spread in Hilo is $119,186 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,267, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,038
2025 BLS Actual
$68,990
2026 Current Est.
$71,267
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,618 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,038 in 2019 to $68,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,618. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
In terms of career opportunities, several employers in Hilo actively recruit new graduates for financial advisory roles. Insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual typically provide structured training programs complemented by performance bonuses, making them appealing starting points. Other avenues include wirehouses, which have traditionally hired through intensive training programs; however, many of these are now scaling back, pushing job seekers toward registered investment advisors (RIAs) that are expanding rapidly. A solid educational background, such as a bachelor's degree along with credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, can significantly elevate starting salaries. As the industry shifts towards a fee-only RIA model, where assets under management dictate earnings—usually around 1% of assets—new advisors focusing on gaining their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation will find themselves more competitive in this evolving market. Ultimately, realistic salary growth within the first few years can be achieved, especially for those who actively seek additional credentials and specialize in client-oriented service.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Hilo in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Hilo?
Is financial planning school worth it in Hilo?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Hilo?
How do I become a financial advisor in Hawaii?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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 Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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