Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Malden, MA: $76,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Malden, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,050 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Malden's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,122) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Malden, Massachusetts, can expect to navigate a starting financial advisor salary of around $76,050. While this may seem lower compared to the median annual salary in the area, which is projected at $131,122, there is potential for growth as early career advisors gain experience. Over the initial 3-5 years, starting salaries can realistically rise as professionals move up the pay scale, with the 25th percentile earning approximately $94,408. Malden's robust job market in the financial sector may offer solid opportunities for new grads despite the initial earnings gap, making it a favorable locale for those entering this field.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Malden
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 Malden
Entry-level financial advisors in Malden, MA typically start between $76,050 and $94,408 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,189 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,122 — 20.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 115.71% of the starting financial advisor pay ($76,050/year) in Malden. 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 Malden
- 1Research the Malden market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $76,050 to $94,408, 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 Malden, 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 Malden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Malden'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 Malden is $127,189 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,050, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,239.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,001
2025 BLS Actual
$73,621
2026 Current Est.
$76,050
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,502 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,560 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Malden, MA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,001 in 2019 to $73,621 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,560. New graduates entering the Malden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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 Malden
In Malden, several prominent employers actively recruit new financial advisors. Companies such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual are known for structured ramp-up programs accompanied by bonuses based on commissions. These organizations offer valuable paths for early-career professionals. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) often seek associate advisors from a pool of CFP candidates, emphasizing client service and long-term relationships. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as a Bachelor's degree, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses are essential, while optional designations like CFP or CFA can further elevate one's profile. Strategies for the first few years should focus on mastering the transition from commission-based models common in wirehouses to the fee-only RIA structure, which is rapidly gaining traction. Understanding this bifurcation will better position early-career advisors in Malden as they aim for salary growth in a competitive market.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Malden in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Malden?
Is financial planning school worth it in Malden?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Malden?
How do I become a financial advisor in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
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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 Malden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Malden 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