Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Racine, WI: $52,197 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Racine, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,197 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Racine's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,394 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,861) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Racine, Wisconsin, can anticipate an entry-level financial advisor salary of approximately $52,197. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $125,861, it offers a viable starting point for aspiring professionals in this robust market. Many new advisors can expect to progress in their careers, potentially moving towards the P25 salary of $74,769 within the first few years, before approaching the median as they gain experience. Given Racine's favorable cost of living index of 95.961—below the national average—this entry-level salary can stretch further, making Racine a compelling option for new graduates looking to start their careers in financial planning.
Career Earnings Timeline in Racine
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 Racine
Entry-level financial advisors in Racine, WI typically start between $52,197 and $74,769 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $439,139 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,861 — 15.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Wisconsin of $45,000 represents just 86.21% of the starting financial advisor pay ($52,197/year) in Racine. 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 Racine
- 1Research the Racine market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $52,197 to $74,769, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Racine, 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 Racine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Racine'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 Racine is $439,139 ( 841.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,197, experienced hygienists can earn up to $491,336.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,910
2025 BLS Actual
$50,530
2026 Current Est.
$52,197
2019–2027 Growth
+31.8%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,197 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,920 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Racine, WI grew 23.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,910 in 2019 to $50,530 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,920. New graduates entering the Racine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
In Racine, key employers that frequently hire new grads include insurance agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which provide structured training programs along with bonuses linked to commissions. Additionally, wirehouses and independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) play a vital role in the local job market. Emerging financial professionals can boost their starting pay by pursuing credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses needed for securities, or opting for the highly regarded CFP certification, which signifies a commitment to comprehensive financial planning. As the industry shifts towards a fee-only RIA model and continues to bifurcate from traditional commission-based models, new advisors are encouraged to seek AUM-based compensation options. Realistically, a newly hired financial advisor can expect steady salary growth in the first few years, particularly if they leverage their skills and credentials effectively within the evolving landscape of financial services in Racine, WI.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
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 Racine. 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