Financial Advisor Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $113,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $113,966/year (≈ $54.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $117,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, financial advisors in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, can expect an impressive median annual salary of $113,966, which surpasses the national median of $108,537 by 5%. The financial advisor salary in Buffalo Grove spans a range from $66,100 at the 10th percentile to $176,647 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied pay structures that exist within the profession. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data project these figures while accounting for the regional cost of living, allowing for a realistic view of earnings potential in this suburban market. The salary landscape is influenced heavily by the structural division between wirehouses and RIA fiduciary models, with both compensation approaches significantly shaping earnings through AUM-based fees or commission-based structures.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,100 | $31.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,055 | $39.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,966 | $54.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,876 | $70.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,647 | $84.92 |
Median Salary Position
5.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,547 (2026 est.). At $113,966, the local median is 5% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $113,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $116,055 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | +5.00% more |
Financial Advisors in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $113,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.00% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $116,055.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A financial advisor earning $113,966 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $117,370 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,244
2025 BLS Actual
$110,325
2026 Current Est.
$113,966
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,244 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,628 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,727 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $92,244 (2019) to $110,325 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,727 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,483 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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) | $66,100 – $82,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,055 – $113,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,966 – $145,876 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,876 – $176,647 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Buffalo Grove
As of 2026, only seven financial advisors are currently employed in Buffalo Grove, suggesting a concentrated job market that should encourage competitive salaries. The local cost of living index stands at 97.1, which is just below the national average. This means that take-home pay can stretch further, enhancing the overall financial picture for residents. Among local employers, wirehouses such as Merrill Lynch and UBS are likely to offer higher compensation, particularly to seasoned advisors managing substantial client assets. Variability in earnings often hinges on factors including the advisor’s ability to attract high-net-worth clients, the fee models of their firms, and any potential equity stakes available in RIAs. For those looking to maximize earnings in this market, pursuing high-value credentials like the CFP or CFA designations can provide a substantial edge in attracting clients and negotiating salaries.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
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 $110,325 for financial advisorsin the Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove 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