Financial Advisor Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $60.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a financial advisor working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $60.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,202 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,727 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, California, the financial advisor hourly pay is projected to reach $60.68 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $52.18. This elevated hourly rate contributes to a robust economic environment for advisors, especially those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For individuals in this profession, such as those aiding high-net-worth clients or conducting consultations in wirehouse branch offices and RIA conference rooms, earning potential scales from entry-level positions at around $28.30 to top earners who could command up to $134.98 per hour. The hourly structure allows financial advisors flexibility among various settings, be it insurance agency offices, client home visits, or remote engagements, making it a viable option for professionals looking to balance personal commitments with career aspirations.
Financial Advisor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.30 | $226.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.66 |
| Median (P50) | $60.68 | $485.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.50 | $636.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134.98 | $1079.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $60.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.68/hr, a financial advisor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,814. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,427.14 | $10,518 | $126,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,456.28 | $6,311 | $75,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $970.85 | $4,207 | $50,484 |
Compare CFP, FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor (Santa Cruz) | $60.68 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Accountant / Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Insurance Sales Agent (National Avg) | $29.02 |
| Securities / Commodities Sales Agent (National Avg) | $35.30 |
Financial Advisors in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $126,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.28% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 9.50% above the California state average of $115,253.
Financial Advisor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.68/hr = $75,727/year (purchasing power: $68,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,211/year (purchasing power: $114,846).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+92.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for financial advisors in Santa Cruz grew 80.6% from $32.53/hr (2019) to $58.74/hr (2025). At a 3.30% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem financial advisors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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.
Working as an Hourly Financial Advisor in Santa Cruz
The earning potential for financial advisors in Santa Cruz can vary greatly, especially for those choosing part-time work. An advisor working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could expect an annual take-home significantly lower than full-time peers yet still desirable given the community’s living costs. Many advisors might pursue per-diem engagements, although such opportunities are uncommon for entry-level positions. More established fiduciary advisors often charge between $3,000 and $15,000 for project-based financial plans or retainers for small businesses that might range from $5,000 to $25,000 annually. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type; wirehouses typically report higher fees compared to independent broker-dealers or RIAs. Advisors must consider benefits when negotiating; those working with firms offering health insurance may accept lower hourly rates. Additionally, professionals should hone negotiation strategies for securing competitive financial advisor hourly rates in Santa Cruz, ensuring their skill set aligns with market demands.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for financial advisors in Santa Cruz. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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