Financial Advisor Salary in Johnston, IA: $88,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Johnston, IA earns a median $88,166/year (≈ $42.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $97,529 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, financial advisors can anticipate a median annual salary of $88,166 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $108,537. The salary range for financial advisors in this region spans from $51,136 at the 10th percentile to $136,657 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant variance in earnings potential. These local estimates, grounded in 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrate the influence of the dominant AUM-based fee model typical of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) compared to the commission structures often employed by wirehouses. As the market evolves, the job landscape in Johnston reflects broader trends in the financial planning industry, particularly the shift towards fiduciary practices that prioritize client interests.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,136 | $24.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,616 | $30.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,166 | $42.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,852 | $54.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,657 | $65.70 |
Median Salary Position
18.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,521 (2026 est.). At $88,166, the local median is 18.77% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Johnston median: $88,166/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $95,006 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -18.77% less |
Financial Advisors in Johnston, IA earn a median of $88,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.77% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $95,006.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A financial advisor earning $88,166 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,529 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,361
2025 BLS Actual
$85,349
2026 Current Est.
$88,166
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,486 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,075 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $71,361 (2019) to $85,349 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,075 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,714 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $51,136 – $63,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,616 – $88,166 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,166 – $112,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,852 – $136,657 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Johnston
Despite the lower average compensation, Johnston's market presents a unique opportunity for financial advisors, with approximately four professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that Advisors may find their take-home purchasing power relatively enhanced compared to higher-cost markets. Firms such as Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Advisors are competitive employers, but independent RIAs, insurance-affiliated groups, and local bank wealth management services also vie for top talent, often offering more favorable fee structures and lower staff turnover. The disparity in financial advisor pay in Johnston can be attributed to factors such as AUM book size, the types of clients served, and any additional qualifications like the CFP credential. To maximize earnings in this environment, advisors should focus on building a robust client base, emphasizing comprehensive financial planning skills, and seeking out transition packages from larger wirehouse firms, should they decide to establish independent practices.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
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 $85,349 for financial advisorsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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