Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Aurora, CO: $57,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Aurora, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,860 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Aurora's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,105 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,759) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, the outlook for new graduates entering the financial advisory field is promising, but the starting financial advisor salary reflects a significant range. Entry-level positions can expect a starting salary around $57,860, which is notably below the city’s median of $99,759. Over the first few years, ambitious new advisors can aspire to grow their earnings substantially, with realistic projections placing the 25th percentile salary at $71,827, ultimately paving a clearer trajectory towards the city’s median as they accumulate experience and industry knowledge. Aurora’s market currently appears to be quite favorable for new talent, especially as financial planning firms seek to fill roles and invest in newly minted graduates.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Aurora
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 Aurora
Entry-level financial advisors in Aurora, CO typically start between $57,860 and $71,827 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $96,767 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,759 — 8.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Colorado of $58,000 represents just 100.24% of the starting financial advisor pay ($57,860/year) in Aurora. 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 Aurora
- 1Research the Aurora market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $57,860 to $71,827, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aurora, 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 Aurora for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Aurora's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Financial Advisor Compensation Range
The financial advisor wage spread in Aurora is $96,767 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,860, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,627.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,932
2025 BLS Actual
$56,012
2026 Current Est.
$57,860
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,117 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,544 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,770 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Aurora, CO grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,932 in 2019 to $56,012 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,770. New graduates entering the Aurora job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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 Aurora
Several key employers in Aurora actively recruit entry-level financial advisors, creating a dynamic environment for job seekers. Notably, career agencies such as Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones are known for their robust training programs designed for new advisors, which often come with performance bonuses on commissions, enhancing initial financial rewards. Additionally, independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are starting to prefer candidates from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) pipeline, providing a structured path for associate advisors. To enhance their marketability, new graduates should pursue essential credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and may also consider obtaining the CFP designation, which is increasingly recognized as a gold standard in the industry. In the first few years, it’s realistic for those entering the profession to see gradual salary increases, transitioning towards a potential AUM-based compensation model at RIAs, contrasting with the commission structure still prevalent at wirehouses. Emphasizing CFP credentials can significantly boost a new grad financial advisor's pay in CO and ultimately lead to a rewarding career trajectory.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Aurora in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Aurora?
Is financial planning school worth it in Aurora?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Aurora?
How do I become a financial advisor in Colorado?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Aurora. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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