Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Burlington, NC: $51,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,640 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,410 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,979) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the financial advisory field in Burlington, North Carolina, the starting financial advisor salary in 2026 is projected to be around $51,640. This figure represents a significant starting point compared to the overall city median annual salary of $81,979, highlighting the potential earning gap that new graduates may experience. However, there is reasonable growth potential in the early years; values for entry-level positions can rise through the P25 mark and reach closer to the median within a few years, providing a pathway for financial progression. With a 3.30% projected annual growth rate for the industry, Burlington remains a viable market for new grads seeking their first role as financial advisors.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level financial advisors in Burlington, NC typically start between $51,640 and $51,640 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $139,227 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,979 — 24.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in North Carolina of $42,000 represents just 81.33% of the starting financial advisor pay ($51,640/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $51,640 to $51,640, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $139,227 ( 269.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,640, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,867.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,380
2025 BLS Actual
$49,990
2026 Current Est.
$51,640
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,344 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 41.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,380 in 2019 to $49,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,344. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Career trajectories for new graduates in this field are aligned with the practices of various local employers. Major firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual actively recruit new advisors, often offering structured training programs that are advantageous for those without extensive experience. To maximize entry-level financial advisor pay in NC, securing pertinent credentials—such as a Bachelor's degree, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses—is crucial. Additionally, credentials from the CFP Board, CFA Institute, and other financial services organizations can further elevate starting compensation. As you navigate the first few years in this role, focusing on developing a solid client service foundation while understanding the shift toward a fee-only RIA model versus commission-based structures can significantly impact future earnings and professional growth. In this evolving landscape, new advisors in Burlington can expect realistic salary increases as they gain experience and build their client bases.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Burlington 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 Burlington. 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