Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Northfield, MN: $47,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Northfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,125 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Northfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,843 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,251) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For recent graduates entering the financial advising field in Northfield, MN, the path begins with an entry-level financial advisor salary of around $47,125. While this amount might seem modest when compared to the median annual salary of $81,251 for financial advisors in the area, it represents a legitimate starting point. New graduates can expect a growth trajectory over their first three to five years, moving from the entry-level range towards more competitive earnings as they gain experience. Given the local market stability and the growing demand for financial advisors, Northfield appears to be a favorable environment for graduates seeking to launch their careers in this ever-evolving industry.
About the Northfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Northfield
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 Northfield
Entry-level financial advisors in Northfield, MN typically start between $47,125 and $58,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,813 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,251 — 25.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Minnesota of $52,000 represents just 110.34% of the starting financial advisor pay ($47,125/year) in Northfield. 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 Northfield
- 1Research the Northfield market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $47,125 to $58,501, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Northfield, 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 Northfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Northfield'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 Northfield is $78,813 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,125, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,938.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,039
2025 BLS Actual
$45,620
2026 Current Est.
$47,125
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Northfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,681 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Northfield, MN grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,039 in 2019 to $45,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,681. New graduates entering the Northfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northfield 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 Northfield
When considering potential employers in Northfield, new graduates will find substantial opportunities, particularly with major firms like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which actively recruit entry-level advisors through structured training and commission bonuses. Unlike wirehouses, which have scaled back their training programs, registered investment advisors (RIAs) typically offer avenues for associate advisors focused on client service roles, especially those with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. New grads in Minnesota can boost their starting pay by obtaining essential securities licenses, including the Series 7 and Series 66, and pursuing advanced certifications such as the CFA or CPA. As the industry bifurcates between commission-based models and fee-only RIAs, the potential for growth in salaries during the first three years remains promising, especially for those committed to professional development and nurturing a fiduciary approach in their advising practices.
More salary data for Northfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Northfield in 2026?
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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 Northfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Northfield 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