Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Moline, IL: $75,939 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,939 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,207 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,930) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, new graduates entering the financial advisory profession can expect starting salaries around $75,939 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, significantly lower than the overall median annual salary of $130,930 for financial advisors in the city. However, for recent graduates, there is a defined growth trajectory as they advance in their careers; transitioning from the P10 level salary toward the P25 benchmark of $94,270 is realistic within the first few years. Given the projected 3.30% annual growth rate in the industry, Moline offers promising opportunities for new financial advisors willing to build their careers in this relatively affordable market.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level financial advisors in Moline, IL typically start between $75,939 and $94,270 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,930 — 20.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 85.60% of the starting financial advisor pay ($75,939/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $75,939 to $94,270, 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 Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $127,002 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,939, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,941.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,909
2025 BLS Actual
$73,513
2026 Current Est.
$75,939
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,676 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,939 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,445 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,909 in 2019 to $73,513 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,445. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
Several key employers in Moline actively recruit entry-level financial advisors, including major insurance firms like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones. These organizations provide structured programs designed to ramp up new advisors while offering bonuses tied to commission earnings. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) also present attractive opportunities, especially for individuals possessing credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP). New professionals should keep in mind that obtaining required licenses, including the Series 7 and Series 66, can enhance earning potential. With the financial advisory field increasingly favoring fiduciary models over traditional commission structures, aspiring advisors may need to align with RIAs to maximize their future earnings. Those following a clear career strategy focused on gaining relevant experience, skills, and certifications can expect to see meaningful salary increases in their early years, paving the way for long-term financial success in Moline.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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