Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Carrollton, TX: $50,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Carrollton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,892 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carrollton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,013 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,744) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrollton, Texas, those starting their careers as financial advisors can expect a base salary around $50,892, which provides a realistic entry point for new graduates entering the field in 2026. This figure significantly lags behind the city's median salary of $87,744, indicating a substantial gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. Over the first few years, individuals can realistically aim to reach salaries around $63,176 as they gain experience and build their client base. Carrollton currently offers a stable market with opportunities for growth, especially for those willing to advance their credentials and develop a strong foundation in financial services.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Carrollton
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 Carrollton
Entry-level financial advisors in Carrollton, TX typically start between $50,892 and $63,176 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,112 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,744 — 19.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Texas of $48,000 represents just 94.32% of the starting financial advisor pay ($50,892/year) in Carrollton. 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 Carrollton
- 1Research the Carrollton market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $50,892 to $63,176, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Carrollton, 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 Carrollton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Carrollton'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 Carrollton is $85,112 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,892, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,004.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,159
2025 BLS Actual
$49,266
2026 Current Est.
$50,892
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,833 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,266 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,571 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Carrollton, TX grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,159 in 2019 to $49,266 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,571. New graduates entering the Carrollton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
Several firms in Carrollton actively recruit new graduates for financial advisor positions. Notable organizations such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual offer environments structured for growth, providing ramp-up compensation and bonuses in addition to commissions. These firms are complemented by wirehouses with scaled-back training programs, and registered investment advisers (RIAs) that typically hire from a candidate pool seeking CFP certification. Expediency in obtaining licenses, such as the Series 7 and 66, can enhance starting pay, while credentials like CFP and CFA are increasingly recognized as ideal credentials for long-term growth. Within the first few years, meeting the expectations set by employers and pursuing certifications can lead to steady salary growth, especially in an evolving industry where fee-only RIAs are rapidly gaining market share over traditional commission-based models.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Carrollton in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Carrollton?
Is financial planning school worth it in Carrollton?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Carrollton?
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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 Carrollton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrollton 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