Financial Advisor Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $61.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a financial advisor working in Santa Maria, CA runs $61.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,093 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, California, the financial advisor hourly pay is projected to be $61.77 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $52.18. This elevated rate reflects not only the demand for financial expertise in the region but also the rising cost of living, which influences compensation trends. For professionals working part-time—around three days a week—this hourly wage can lead to a rewarding career, especially in traditional settings like wirehouse branch offices, insurance agency offices, or during virtual planning meetings. Entry-level advisors may expect to start around $30.72 per hour, while seasoned experts can command as much as $188.35 per hour, indicating a clear pathway for career advancement in this field. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, specifically the 2025 estimates projected to 2026.
Financial Advisor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.72 | $245.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.83 | $342.63 |
| Median (P50) | $61.77 | $494.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.19 | $721.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188.35 | $1506.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $61.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.77/hr, a financial advisor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,489 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,128. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,470.94 | $10,707 | $128,489 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,482.56 | $6,424 | $77,093 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.37 | $4,283 | $51,395 |
Compare CFP, FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor (Santa Maria) | $61.77 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $128,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.38% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 11.50% above the California state average of $115,233.
Financial Advisor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.77/hr = $77,093/year (purchasing power: $70,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,489/year (purchasing power: $118,098).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-5.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for financial advisors in Santa Maria grew -11.8% from $67.79/hr (2019) to $59.80/hr (2025). At a 3.30% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.81/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 Maria 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 Maria
Focusing on the financial realities of being a part-time advisor in Santa Maria reveals a different narrative. A financial advisor working three days per week can earn a substantial income without the commitment associated with full-time roles. For instance, working 24 hours weekly at the median rate translates to an annual earning of approximately $77,330. However, those opting for per-diem work or project-based roles may find their experiences vary significantly. While entry-level positions scarce exist in the per-diem space, experienced fiduciaries can charge hefty fees—ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 for a comprehensive financial plan. It's essential to note that the varying hourly rates across employer types—whether it be wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or independent RIAs—can significantly affect income. Advisors often face a trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher rates without benefits, making negotiation skills vital in this local marketplace. Understanding these dynamics can provide aspiring financial advisors in Santa Maria with an edge as they consider their career trajectories.
More salary data for Santa Maria, 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 Maria. 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