Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $46,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Fort Collins, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,857 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fort Collins's local price level (BEA RPP 101.1 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,334 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,602) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For graduates entering the financial advising field in Fort Collins, Colorado, the starting financial advisor salary is projected to begin around $46,857 in 2026. New entrants can expect a modest ramp-up as they gain experience and build a client base, with realistic expectations set at the P25 level of $49,109 within the first few years. The median annual salary in Fort Collins for financial advisors will be $68,602, revealing a noticeable gap of over $21,000 from entry-level figures. However, with a growth trajectory forecasted to be around 3.30% annually, new graduates have the potential to increase their earnings significantly as they navigate the early stages of their careers. With its expanding economy and consistent demand for financial services, Fort Collins remains an appealing market for aspiring advisors.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fort Collins
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 Fort Collins
Entry-level financial advisors in Fort Collins, CO typically start between $46,857 and $49,109 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $271,245 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,602 — 36.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Colorado of $58,000 represents just 123.78% of the starting financial advisor pay ($46,857/year) in Fort Collins. 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 Fort Collins
- 1Research the Fort Collins market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $46,857 to $49,109, 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins is $271,245 ( 578.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,857, experienced hygienists can earn up to $318,102.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,340
2025 BLS Actual
$45,360
2026 Current Est.
$46,857
2019–2027 Growth
+-14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,403 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Fort Collins, CO grew -19.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,340 in 2019 to $45,360 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,403. New graduates entering the Fort Collins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
New financial advisors in Fort Collins typically find positions in various reputable companies that are known to hire entry-level talent. Established organizations like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual actively recruit new advisors, often providing structured training programs that include ramp-up bonuses on commissions. As the industry evolves, registered investment advisors (RIAs) are increasingly looking for associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, creating more opportunities for those seeking a client-focused career path. Credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree, along with Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, are essential for entry-level positions and can enhance starting pay in Colorado. Additionally, pursuing advanced certifications like the CFP designation can bolster career prospects and elevate earning potential, especially as the industry transitions towards fee-only models. Realistically, first-year salaries might remain close to the entry-level figures, but with dedication and continuing education, advisors can aim for significant increases in compensation within their first few years in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
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 Fort Collins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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