Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Matthews, NC: $159,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Matthews, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $159,921/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Matthews's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $170,856 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier earnings as a financial advisor in Matthews, North Carolina, is entirely feasible for those with extensive experience and specialized skills. In 2026, the potential for top earners is substantial, with salaries reaching as high as $159,921, while the 75th percentile stands at $132,064. This disparity, juxtaposed with the median annual salary of $103,175, highlights the experience premium enjoyed by seasoned professionals in this sector. To tap into this lucrative potential, advisors must not only accrue years of practice but also cultivate expertise in areas such as high-net-worth client management, retirement planning, or estate strategies, which significantly enhance their marketability and compensation opportunities. As Matthews continues to serve a diverse clientele, the demand for skilled advisors who can adapt to the evolving financial landscape is likely to amplify the earning potential for top financial advisors in the area.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Matthews earn between $132,064 and $159,921 per year (2026 est.). This $100,079 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Matthews median of $103,175 sits 4.94% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Matthews | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,175 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,064 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $159,921 | $368,802 |
In Matthews, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Matthews
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $103,175 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Matthews employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Matthews command premium compensation, often reaching the $132,064–$159,921 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Matthews metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors in Matthews with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Financial Advisors in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Financial Advisor Career & Wage Growth Path in Matthews
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMatthews ranks #23 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $159,921).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Matthews ($159,921) is 48.34% below the North Carolina average P90 ($309,557).
2024 BLS Actual
$116,710
2025 BLS Actual
$154,812
2026 Current Est.
$159,921
2024–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Matthews (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $116,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,812 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,198 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Matthews saw their compensation grow 32.6% from $116,710 in 2024 to $154,812 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $165,198 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Matthews
For senior financial advisors in Matthews, compensation structure can vary widely depending on the specialization and employer type involved. Advisors focusing on high-net-worth clients, complex retirement plans, and estate planning often command premium pay due to the nuanced knowledge required. Different employer types, such as wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or independent RIAs, can significantly influence earnings at the senior level. Advisors in wirehouses may work under commission-based models, while RIAs typically adopt fee structures based on assets under management, which can lead to substantial compensation tied to performance and client retention. Moreover, those who advance through clear career paths, starting as junior advisors to becoming partners or RIA founders, may also reap enhanced financial rewards. Additional credentials, such as the CFP or CFA, reinforce expertise and boost earning capacity, while non-salary compensation drivers, like a robust AUM book or equity stakes in firms, can further elevate the overall financial package for top earners in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Matthews in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Matthews?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Matthews?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Matthews?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Matthews?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $154,812 for financial advisors in the Matthews metro area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Matthews 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