Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Lakewood, CO: $54,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Lakewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,505 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,910 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,975) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the financial advising field in Lakewood, Colorado, the starting pay can be quite varied. With an estimated entry-level salary at $54,505 in 2026, new financial advisors might find themselves earning a significant amount less than the city median of $93,975. This gap emphasizes the potential for salary growth over the first few years, as new grads can expect to see their earnings rise through experience and client acquisitions. Realistic expectations during the initial 3-5 years include a trajectory that could see salaries increase from $54,505 to approximately $67,663 as they gain experience, and further approach the median as they build their careers, making Lakewood a promising market for those just starting out in the industry.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level financial advisors in Lakewood, CO typically start between $54,505 and $67,663 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,156 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,975 — 13.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Colorado of $58,000 represents just 106.41% of the starting financial advisor pay ($54,505/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $54,505 to $67,663, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $91,156 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,505, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,661.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,153
2025 BLS Actual
$52,764
2026 Current Est.
$54,505
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,304 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, CO grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,153 in 2019 to $52,764 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,304. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Employers within Lakewood that commonly recruit entry-level financial advisors include firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which often implement structured training programs and offer bonuses as part of their compensation strategy. Wirehouses have historically been a source of opportunities, although many have scaled back their training programs. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly favorable as they seek associate advisors, especially those with credible certifications like the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). A strong educational foundation, such as a bachelor's degree combined with relevant licenses including Series 7 and Series 66, can significantly enhance new grad financial advisor pay in CO. The industry is experiencing a shift with RIAs expanding more rapidly than traditional commission-based firms, emphasizing a fiduciary model which commonly results in AUM-based compensation. Career growth within the first three years can expect steady increases, reflecting the growing preference for fee-only fiduciary relationships, providing an encouraging outlook for those starting their journey in Lakewood’s competitive financial landscape.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
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
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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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