Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Lombard, IL: $65,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Lombard, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lombard's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,186 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,479) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Lombard can expect a starting salary around $65,238, which is significantly lower than the city median of $112,479. This gap highlights the incremental growth new advisors can anticipate as they gain experience and establish their client base. Over the first few years, those in entry-level roles may see their earnings rise to approximately $81,474 as they move past the 25th percentile, with median figures becoming more attainable within a 3-5 year timeframe. Given Lombard's moderate cost of living index at 97.1, the local market appears to be a feasible environment for new financial advisors starting their careers, despite the disparity in entry-level compensation compared to more established professionals.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lombard
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 Lombard
Entry-level financial advisors in Lombard, IL typically start between $65,238 and $81,474 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,105 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,479 — 3.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 99.64% of the starting financial advisor pay ($65,238/year) in Lombard. 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 Lombard
- 1Research the Lombard market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $65,238 to $81,474, 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lombard'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 Lombard is $109,105 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,343.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,044
2025 BLS Actual
$63,154
2026 Current Est.
$65,238
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,763 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,391 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Lombard, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,044 in 2019 to $63,154 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,391. New graduates entering the Lombard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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 Lombard
When it comes to securing a position in Lombard, new graduates should consider firms known for hiring entry-level financial advisors, including Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which often provide structured training programs and potential bonuses on top of commissions. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are also on the lookout for associate advisors from CFP candidates, providing a stable client-service pathway. To enhance starting pay and career competitiveness, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, along with requisite licensing such as the Series 7 and Series 66, is essential. Furthermore, credentials like the CFP are becoming increasingly valuable in this evolving market, where the traditional commission-based models of wirehouses are giving way to the fee-only approach of RIAs. Realistic salary growth during the first three years can be significant, with a focus on developing client relationships and building a robust client portfolio driving income in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Lombard 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 Lombard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard 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