Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Urbana, IL: $66,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Urbana, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,585 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Urbana's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,574 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,801) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring financial advisors in Urbana, Illinois, the anticipated starting financial advisor salary in 2026 stands at $66,585. This initial figure represents a significant gap when contrasted with the city's median annual salary of $114,801. New graduates can realistically expect to advance through progressive salary tiers as they establish themselves in the industry, with earnings climbing to approximately $82,798 within a few years. As the financial advisory field continues to expand, Urbana presents a viable market for recent graduates with its accessible entry points and a growing client base, indicating a supportive environment for new talent to thrive.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Urbana
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 Urbana
Entry-level financial advisors in Urbana, IL typically start between $66,585 and $82,798 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,358 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,801 — 5.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 97.62% of the starting financial advisor pay ($66,585/year) in Urbana. 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 Urbana
- 1Research the Urbana market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $66,585 to $82,798, 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 Urbana, 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 Urbana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Urbana'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 Urbana is $111,358 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,585, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,943.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,160
2025 BLS Actual
$64,458
2026 Current Est.
$66,585
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,976 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,594 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,782 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Urbana, IL grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,160 in 2019 to $64,458 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,782. New graduates entering the Urbana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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 Urbana
In Urbana, employers actively recruiting entry-level financial advisors include major insurance firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which offer structured training and a pathway to commission-based earnings. Among registered investment advisors (RIAs), opportunities exist to serve as associate advisors, especially for those who hold credentials like the CFP. Holding a bachelor's degree is essential, but additional qualifications like the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, alongside a state insurance license, can sharpen a candidate's competitive edge and potentially lead to higher starting pay. The industry is experiencing a shift towards fee-only models, particularly within RIAs, which are expanding rapidly compared to the constricting wirehouse structure. Those aligning with AUM-based compensation strategies can expect more sustainable salary growth and a deeper client relationship, setting the stage for financial advisors in their first few years to build a solid foundation toward a successful career in wealth management.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 Urbana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbana 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