Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $63,692 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Elmhurst, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,692 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elmhurst's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,813) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The anticipated starting financial advisor salary in Elmhurst, Illinois, for new graduates entering the field in 2026 is approximately $63,692. This figure reflects a gap from the city’s overall median salary of $109,813. As new hires progress in their careers, they can expect a gradual salary increase, with the potential to reach around $79,066 within the first few years. Elmhurst currently presents an encouraging landscape for new financial advisors, bolstered by a growth rate of 3.30% in the sector. This upward trajectory may attract recent graduates eager to embark on a rewarding career in finance.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elmhurst
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 Elmhurst
Entry-level financial advisors in Elmhurst, IL typically start between $63,692 and $79,066 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,519 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,813 — 1.18% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 102.05% of the starting financial advisor pay ($63,692/year) in Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst
- 1Research the Elmhurst market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $63,692 to $79,066, 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elmhurst'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 Elmhurst is $106,519 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,692, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,211.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,763
2025 BLS Actual
$61,657
2026 Current Est.
$63,692
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,763 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,692 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,794 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Elmhurst, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,763 in 2019 to $61,657 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,794. New graduates entering the Elmhurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, various employers actively seek to onboard fresh talent in financial advising. Notable firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often bring in new advisors with structured training programs and performance-based bonus incentives. Smaller Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly hiring associate advisors from candidates pursuing their Certified Financial Planner designation, providing a clear career trajectory. For those looking to boost their starting pay in Illinois, obtaining licenses such as Series 7 and Series 66, alongside further credentials like the CFP or CFA, can be invaluable. In the evolving market, entry-level financial advisors might encounter a bifurcation between commission-based structures predominant in wirehouses and the more lucrative AUM-based compensation that RIAs offer. Over the initial years, realistic salary growth expectations for this profession can align well with these insights, presenting a path forward for career development in Elmhurst.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
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 Elmhurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elmhurst 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