Financial Advisor Salary in Bristol, RI: $103,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Bristol, RI earns a median $103,261/year (≈ $49.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $102,747 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the financial advisor salary in Bristol, RI is projected to be a median of $103,261, positioning it slightly lower than the national median of $108,537. The salary range for this occupation spans from $59,891 at the 10th percentile to $160,054 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant disparity in pay based on various factors. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect a financial landscape where independent advisors often benefit from greater earning potential as they transition from wirehouses. Changing market dynamics and an expanding clientele base contribute to this evolving economic picture in Bristol's competitive job market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,891 | $28.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,348 | $35.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,261 | $49.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,173 | $63.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,054 | $76.95 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,163 (2026 est.). At $103,261, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Bristol median: $103,261/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $109,040 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -4.86% less |
Financial Advisors in Bristol, RI earn a median of $103,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $109,040.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,261 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,747 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,579
2025 BLS Actual
$99,962
2026 Current Est.
$103,261
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,579 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,668 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $83,579 (2019) to $99,962 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,668 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,089 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $59,891 – $74,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,348 – $103,261 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,261 – $132,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,173 – $160,054 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Bristol
Despite the modest number of employed financial advisors—only five in the Bristol region—the local job market demonstrates stable demand for their skills. The cost of living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national standard, the economic environment does not impose overly stringent cost burdens. Many top-paying employers in the area include wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, which typically offer commission-heavy structures, as well as independent broker-dealers and RIAs that potentially provide higher salaries through AUM-based fees. Variability in advisor pay arises from factors such as client concentration, AUM book size, and credential recognition (such as CFP or CFA). To achieve higher financial advisor pay in Bristol, developing strong networks, seeking high-net-worth clients, and considering independent advisory routes can yield better remuneration outcomes.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $99,962 for financial advisorsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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