Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $66,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Arlington Heights, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington Heights's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,237 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to start their careers as financial advisors in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the starting financial advisor salary is projected to be in the vicinity of $66,258 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $114,237, reflecting the typical compensation trajectory for entry-level positions. In the early years of their careers, new financial advisors can expect to see growth as they gain experience and build client relationships, moving from this entry point to approximately $82,251 by the first quartile of their career. Overall, Arlington Heights is a promising market for aspiring financial advisors, offering opportunities for growth and the potential to gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington Heights
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 Arlington Heights
Entry-level financial advisors in Arlington Heights, IL typically start between $66,258 and $82,251 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,810 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,237 — 5.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 98.10% of the starting financial advisor pay ($66,258/year) in Arlington Heights. 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 Arlington Heights
- 1Research the Arlington Heights market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $66,258 to $82,251, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Arlington Heights, 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 Arlington Heights for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington Heights'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 Arlington Heights is $110,810 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,068.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,889
2025 BLS Actual
$64,141
2026 Current Est.
$66,258
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,793 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,681 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,444 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington Heights, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,889 in 2019 to $64,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,444. New graduates entering the Arlington Heights job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights
When evaluating opportunities as a new grad financial advisor in Arlington Heights, it's crucial to identify potential employers actively hiring. Major firms like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often recruit new graduates into structured training programs, which include initial commission bonuses tailored to help young advisors establish their clientele. Additionally, registered investment advisors (RIAs) are increasingly looking for associate advisors from candidates with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) aspirations. In terms of credentials, having a bachelor's degree and securing licenses such as the Series 7 and Series 66 will provide a strong start in Illinois. Considering the current bifurcation in the industry, where commission-based wirehouses are juxtaposed against fee-only RIAs, having a CFP is becoming essential for advancing in this competitive field. New financial advisors can expect to see modest salary growth within their first three years, especially as they align their skills with the evolving demands of a market where AUM-based fees at RIAs are positioned as the future of wealth management.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Arlington Heights in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Arlington Heights?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Arlington Heights?
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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 Arlington Heights. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights 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