Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Concord, CA: $68,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Concord, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,539 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,600 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,170) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, CA, new graduates looking to break into the financial advisory field can expect a starting salary around $68,539 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level financial advisors, which has a median annual salary of $118,170 in the area. While this entry-level pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the median for experienced professionals, it does provide a realistic starting point for those launching their careers in an industry expected to grow at a rate of 3.30% annually. New grads can look forward to earning progressively higher incomes through their early years, with potential upward movement to the 25th percentile salary of $85,082 in just a few years as they gain experience and client relationships.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from California average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
Entry-level financial advisors in Concord, CA typically start between $68,539 and $85,082 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,624 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,170 — 8.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in California of $78,000 represents just 113.80% of the starting financial advisor pay ($68,539/year) in Concord. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition plus licensing exam fees (Series 7, 63/66) and optional CFP certification program costs. Continuing education is required for license maintenance.
CFP, FA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $68,539 to $85,082, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the financial planning field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Concord's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Financial Advisor Compensation Range
The financial advisor wage spread in Concord is $114,624 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,539, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,163.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,778
2025 BLS Actual
$66,349
2026 Current Est.
$68,539
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,298 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,800 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, CA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,778 in 2019 to $66,349 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,800. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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.
Starting Your financial planning Career in Concord
Employers in Concord that typically welcome new graduates into their financial advisory roles include major insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual. These firms often have structured training programs that guide new advisors through the complexities of the financial world, alongside attractive commission structures. Additionally, registered investment advisors (RIAs) are increasingly hiring associate advisors, particularly those who hold or are pursuing a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, which remains a prestigious credential in the field. Key licensing, including Series 7 and Series 66, is vital for new entrants, as many clients will expect these certifications. It’s wise for new advisors to embrace ongoing education and acquire credentials like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to enhance their starting financial advisor salary in Concord and position themselves favorably for the shifting dynamics of the industry. Realistically, as they develop their client base and expertise, early-career professionals can anticipate annual earnings growth from modest entry-level earnings to more rewarding compensation as they align with either commission-based brokerages or the increasingly popular fee-only RIA model.
More salary data for Concord, CA:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new financial planning graduates. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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