Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Lowell, MA: $76,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,018 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,063 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Lowell, Massachusetts, the starting financial advisor salary is projected to be $76,018 in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point, particularly when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $131,067. Early-career professionals can expect to see growth over the first few years as they gain experience and build their client bases, moving from the 10th percentile salary to $94,369 at the 25th percentile. Given the competitive nature of the local financial services market, Lowell offers a favorable environment for new grads with a solid foundation to grow their earnings through networking and building relationships with clients.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level financial advisors in Lowell, MA typically start between $76,018 and $94,369 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,136 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,067 — 20.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 115.76% of the starting financial advisor pay ($76,018/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $76,018 to $94,369, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $127,136 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,018, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,154.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,975
2025 BLS Actual
$73,590
2026 Current Est.
$76,018
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,661 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,473 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,449 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,527 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,975 in 2019 to $73,590 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,527. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
New graduates in Lowell can find ample opportunities with a variety of employers looking to hire entry-level financial advisors. Major firms like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual are known for onboarding new advisors with structured training and commission bonuses. In addition to these traditional roles, independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly popular, actively seeking associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool. Earning relevant credentials can enhance initial pay; licensing such as Series 7 and Series 66 is vital, along with securing a state insurance license for selling life and health products. Understanding the current industry split between commission-based and fee-only models is crucial for new advisors. While wirehouses may still offer entry-level roles, RIAs are experiencing rapid growth, making the CFP credential a key asset that can lead to a more lucrative career trajectory. In this evolving market, entry-level financial advisors should realistically anticipate salary growth as they progress, especially those aligned with the fiduciary model that often leads to asset-based compensation.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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