Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Berwyn, IL: $66,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Berwyn, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,529 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Berwyn's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,516 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,706) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advising field in Berwyn, Illinois, can expect to see starting salaries around $66,529. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $114,706, it does reflect a promising growth trajectory for entry-level professionals as they progress through their careers. With an expected growth rate of 3.30% annually over the next five years, initial salaries may rise, potentially reaching $82,588 in the early stages. New grads should note that Berwyn presents a beneficial market for financial advisory roles, as the industry continues to evolve and adapt, offering increasing opportunities for those willing to develop their skills and credentials.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Berwyn
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 Berwyn
Entry-level financial advisors in Berwyn, IL typically start between $66,529 and $82,588 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,266 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,706 — 5.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 97.70% of the starting financial advisor pay ($66,529/year) in Berwyn. 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 Berwyn
- 1Research the Berwyn market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $66,529 to $82,588, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Berwyn, 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 Berwyn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Berwyn'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 Berwyn is $111,266 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,529, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,795.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,114
2025 BLS Actual
$64,404
2026 Current Est.
$66,529
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,725 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Berwyn, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,114 in 2019 to $64,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,725. New graduates entering the Berwyn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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 Berwyn
For those pursuing an entry-level financial advisor career in Berwyn, several local employers actively hire new graduates. Notable firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often initiate structured training programs that include ramp-up periods for commissions, making them attractive for entry-level candidates. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly focusing on client service roles, favoring candidates with credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses or even the CFP designation, which is considered the standard in the profession. These credentials can enhance starting financial advisor pay in IL, facilitating access to a broadened client base and a potential path towards asset management roles. As the financial advisory sector moves towards a bifurcated model emphasizing fee-only RIAs over traditional commission-based strategies, new advisors are encouraged to align their career strategies with the growing trend towards fiduciary responsibility, which can lead to more lucrative compensation structures based on assets under management.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Berwyn in 2026?
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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 Berwyn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berwyn 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