Financial Advisor Salary in Golden, CO: $86,431 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Golden, CO earns a median $86,431/year (≈ $41.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $82,315 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, financial advisors in Golden, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $86,431. This figure indicates a competitive salary range from $50,130 at the lowest 10th percentile to $133,969 for the top 90th percentile. Local estimates, which are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost considerations, show that the earnings landscape for financial advisors in Golden is shaped by the city's growing reputation for fee-only fiduciary growth. Amidst increasing competition, this city’s job market reflects a shift where possessing a CFP credential can significantly enhance salary prospects, aligning with broader societal trends favoring transparent financial advice.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,130 | $24.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,230 | $29.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,431 | $41.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,632 | $53.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,969 | $64.41 |
Median Salary Position
20.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,839 (2026 est.). At $86,431, the local median is 20.37% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Golden median: $86,431/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $93,947 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -20.37% less |
Financial Advisors in Golden, CO earn a median of $86,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.37% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $93,947.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,431 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,315 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,957
2025 BLS Actual
$83,670
2026 Current Est.
$86,431
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,957 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,431 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,283 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $69,957 (2019) to $83,670 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,283 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,326 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,130 – $62,230 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,230 – $86,431 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,431 – $110,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,632 – $133,969 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Golden
Despite the encouraging salary figures, the local job market appears to be relatively small, with only six financial advisors currently employed in the area. The cost of living in Golden, pegged at a slight premium with a CoL index of 105, underscores the implications for take-home pay and purchasing power. Major players in the Golden financial scene include well-known wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and UBS, but locally-based Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), particularly those operating with an AUM-based fee model, often lead in compensation. Factors contributing to the salary disparity include the size of AUM books, client demographics, and the potential for equity stakes in successful firms. For continuing success, aspiring financial advisors should focus on building a strong network and client base, enhancing their credentials, particularly in fee-only models, and considering strategic roles at independent firms that capitalize on fiduciary responsibilities.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,670 for financial advisorsin the Golden metropolitan area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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