Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Hagerstown, MD: $48,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Hagerstown, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,685 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hagerstown's local price level (BEA RPP 94.2 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,699 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,418) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for financial advisors entering the field in Hagerstown, Maryland, show a stark contrast compared to the city median of $95,418. The entry-level financial advisor salary in Hagerstown for 2026 is projected to begin at approximately $48,685. While this figure might seem low, it serves as a foundation for growth; those new to the profession can expect to enter the market at this starting point and aspire to the 25th percentile salary of $56,805 or the median as they gain experience and build client relationships. With an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.30%, Hagerstown presents a relatively stable market for emerging financial advisors, making it an attractive start for new graduates who want to capitalize on career opportunities in personal finance.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hagerstown
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 Hagerstown
Entry-level financial advisors in Hagerstown, MD typically start between $48,685 and $56,805 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $312,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,418 — 12.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Maryland of $58,000 represents just 119.13% of the starting financial advisor pay ($48,685/year) in Hagerstown. 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 Hagerstown
- 1Research the Hagerstown market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $48,685 to $56,805, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hagerstown, 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 Hagerstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hagerstown'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 Hagerstown is $312,710 ( 642.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,685, experienced hygienists can earn up to $361,395.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,090
2025 BLS Actual
$47,130
2026 Current Est.
$48,685
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Hagerstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,292 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Hagerstown, MD grew 17.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,090 in 2019 to $47,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,292. New graduates entering the Hagerstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown
Employers in Hagerstown actively seek to recruit new graduates for financial advisory roles, particularly through established firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, all of which offer structured career paths along with commissions and bonuses. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) also hire entry-level candidates, especially those who are part of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) pathway, emphasizing client management. To enhance starting financial advisor pay in MD, securing credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses becomes vital, alongside optional certifications such as CFP or CFA. These qualifications not only boost earnings but also improve prospects as the industry shifts towards the RIA model, characterized by asset-under-management compensation rather than traditional commission structures. First-year salaries for newly minted advisors can vary widely, yet strategic movements into areas with favorable compensation models can expedite financial growth, making the market poised for ambitious newcomers.
More salary data for Hagerstown, MD:
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 Hagerstown. 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