Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Medina, OH: $47,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,855 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,762 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,509) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of financial advisor in Medina, Ohio, can anticipate a starting salary of around $47,855. This entry-level figure signifies a substantial gap compared to the overall city median salary of $82,509, which reflects the competitive nature of the financial advisory sector. For early-career professionals, trajectories can vary; many advisors will progress to earn around $59,407 within a few years, potentially reaching the median as they gain experience and build their client base. Given this upward mobility, Medina presents a reasonable market for new grads looking to forge a path in financial advising, especially considering the broad range in earnings from $47,855 to $127,888 at the higher end of the spectrum.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level financial advisors in Medina, OH typically start between $47,855 and $59,407 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,033 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,509 — 23.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Ohio of $48,000 represents just 100.30% of the starting financial advisor pay ($47,855/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $47,855 to $59,407, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $80,033 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,855, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,888.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,643
2025 BLS Actual
$46,326
2026 Current Est.
$47,855
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,705 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,908 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,978 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,326 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,434 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,643 in 2019 to $46,326 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,434. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
For those entering the financial advisory field in Medina, several key employers dominate the local hiring scene. Firms like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones often recruit new advisors, offering structured ramp-up programs along with bonuses tied to commissions. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly attracting candidates, particularly those dedicated to fee-only fiduciary models. Aspiring financial advisors should consider attaining necessary credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree, Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, and possibly the CFP designation, which signifies a commitment to client-focused financial planning. In the first few years, realistic salary growth may fluctuate based on the model one chooses to pursue; commission-based roles at wirehouses might offer different compensation tracks compared to AUM-based models at RIAs. As the industry evolves, having a strong foundation through continuing education and credentials can significantly impact new graduate financial advisor pay in OH, thereby increasing their marketability and potential for career advancement.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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