Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Topeka, KS: $52,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,125 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,686 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,199) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those entering the financial advisory profession in Topeka, Kansas, can expect to earn a starting salary around $52,125, well below the city's projected median annual salary of $99,199. This gap reflects the general trajectory of new graduates as they build their skills and client base over their early careers. While some may find growth limited initially, there is potential for progression from the $52,125 starting point to approximately $75,843 at the 25th percentile within a few years. The financial advisory market in Topeka is evolving, making it a promising location for new graduates eager to establish themselves in the industry, particularly since the projected annual salary growth rate stands at 3.30%.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level financial advisors in Topeka, KS typically start between $52,125 and $75,843 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $164,144 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,199 — 8.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Kansas of $38,000 represents just 72.90% of the starting financial advisor pay ($52,125/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $52,125 to $75,843, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka's below-average 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 Topeka is $164,144 ( 314.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,125, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,269.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,330
2025 BLS Actual
$50,460
2026 Current Est.
$52,125
2019–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,845 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 25.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,330 in 2019 to $50,460 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,845. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
Prospective financial advisors in Topeka should focus on targeted employers that actively recruit new talent. Major firms like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often bring in recent graduates through structured training programs and incentivized commission structures. The rise of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) is noteworthy, as they tend to preferentially hire from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool and offer clear pathways for career advancement, which is particularly appealing for those with a commitment to fiduciary practices. Additionally, obtaining credentials such as Series 7 and Series 66 for securities licensing can significantly enhance starting financial advisor pay in KS. Those who strategically align their first few years with a focus on gaining relevant experience and certifications can potentially see their earnings escalate, as the industry is increasingly bifurcating, with a pronounced shift towards fee-only RIA models.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
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 Topeka. 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