Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Syracuse, NY: $69,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Syracuse, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,924 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 95.7 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,034 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,602) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Syracuse, the entry-level financial advisor salary is projected to stand at around $69,924 in 2026, setting a foundational income level for new graduates entering the profession. This starting pay represents a significant gap against the city’s median annual salary of $130,602, indicating that fresh entrants can expect to gradually grow their earnings as they gain experience and develop their client base. Over the first three to five years, those in the field may find themselves progressing toward the 25th percentile salary of $78,498, as they navigate their early careers and build competencies in the fast-evolving financial advisory landscape. With Syracuse's relatively low cost of living index at 95.742, this market offers a viable opportunity for new financial advisors, allowing them to find their footing and potentially thrive in this dynamic sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level financial advisors in Syracuse, NY typically start between $69,924 and $78,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $393,005 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,602 — 20.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in New York of $82,000 represents just 117.27% of the starting financial advisor pay ($69,924/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $69,924 to $78,498, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $393,005 ( 562.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,924, experienced hygienists can earn up to $462,929.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,890
2025 BLS Actual
$67,690
2026 Current Est.
$69,924
2019–2027 Growth
+81.1%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,231 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, NY grew 69.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,890 in 2019 to $67,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,231. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In Syracuse, several prominent employers actively seek to recruit new graduates for financial advisory roles. Notably, companies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual are known for their structured ramp-up programs which often include bonuses tied to commissions. Additionally, wirehouses have historically offered training programs, though many are now adapting their models. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) tend to hire associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, providing a pathway focused on client service excellence and fiduciary responsibility. For those looking to enhance their new grad financial advisor pay in NY, obtaining credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, in addition to educational qualifications, can be advantageous. Within the first three years of entering the profession, it’s reasonable to expect modest salary growth as advisors choose between commission-based models typical at traditional brokerages and the more rapidly advancing RIA model that often rewards advisors with asset under management (AUM)-based compensation. Achieving credentials like the CFP can further separate candidates in an increasingly bifurcated industry favoring those who adopt a fiduciary approach to client service.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
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 Syracuse. 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