Financial Advisor Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $56.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a financial advisor working in Santa Monica, CA runs $56.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, California, financial advisors command a median hourly pay of $56.01, which positions them slightly above the national hourly median of $52.18. This competitive rate reflects the city's thriving economy and the high cost of living adjustments that impact professionals in the financial planning industry. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, this translates to a substantial income potential, enabling advisors to maintain a solid standard of living while balancing personal commitments. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $32.49 per hour, while top earners might reach up to $86.81, indicating a clear pathway for advancement in various settings, including bank private banking suites, wirehouse branch offices, and virtual planning meetings tailored to high-net-worth clients.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Financial Advisor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.49 | $259.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.33 | $322.63 |
| Median (P50) | $56.01 | $448.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.69 | $573.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.81 | $694.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $56.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.01/hr, a financial advisor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $116,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,211. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,240.37 | $9,708 | $116,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,344.22 | $5,825 | $69,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $896.15 | $3,883 | $46,600 |
Compare CFP, FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor (Santa Monica) | $56.01 |
| 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 Monica, CA earn a median of $116,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.33% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 1.10% above the California state average of $115,229.
Financial Advisor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.01/hr = $69,900/year (purchasing power: $61,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,499/year (purchasing power: $103,006).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for financial advisors in Santa Monica grew 19.6% from $45.33/hr (2019) to $54.22/hr (2025). At a 3.30% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.86/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 Monica 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 Monica
When examining the financial advisor hourly rate in CA, it's essential to consider how it varies based on employer type and offers unique earning potential. A part-time financial advisor working 24 hours per week might bring home approximately $43,961 yearly, depending on their specific hourly contract, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who enjoy greater annual compensation. The prevalence of roles in per diem or locum capacities remains limited for junior advisors, but experienced fiduciaries offering project-based financial plans can charge anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 for comprehensive projects, allowing for significant flexibility in income streams. Employers range from traditional wirehouses like Merrill Lynch to independent advisors and insurance-affiliated firms, each presenting unique compensation structures. Some advisors might opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, highlighting the trade-offs professionals must navigate in their career paths, particularly when negotiating contracts in Santa Monica’s dynamic market.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 Monica. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Santa Monica 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