Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Augusta, ME: $59,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Augusta, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,125 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,939) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Augusta, Maine, the starting financial advisor salary is expected to be around $59,125 in 2026. This figure reflects a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $101,939, indicating a common trajectory for early-career professionals. Within the first few years, entry-level advisors may see salary growth as they move towards the 25th percentile, which stands at $73,396. Augusta’s market currently presents a favorable environment for new financial advisors, as the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 3.30% annually over the next five years. With this growth potential, newly minted grads can find opportunities that align with their skills and educational qualifications.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level financial advisors in Augusta, ME typically start between $59,125 and $73,396 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,880 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,939 — 6.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Maine of $55,000 represents just 93.02% of the starting financial advisor pay ($59,125/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $59,125 to $73,396, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta'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 Augusta is $98,880 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,125, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,005.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,980
2025 BLS Actual
$57,236
2026 Current Est.
$59,125
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,571 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,236 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,076 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, ME grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,980 in 2019 to $57,236 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,076. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
In Augusta, several key players are actively recruiting new graduates within the financial advisory sector. Notable employers include prominent insurance agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which often hire fresh talent through structured training programs and attractive commission bonuses. Regional Investment Advisors (RIAs) frequently seek candidates from the CFP certification pool and typically offer paths that focus on client services. Those looking to boost their starting pay should consider obtaining the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with a general state insurance license for life and health products. As the financial planning industry continues to bifurcate, with RIAs gaining traction over traditional commission-based broker models, new advisors seeking to enter this field should strategically aim for opportunities at RIAs, where assets under management compensation is prevalent and career advancement is closely tied to obtaining respected credentials like the CFP. Realistically, entry-level advisory professionals can anticipate incremental salary increases as they gain experience and build their client base within the first three years.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Augusta in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Augusta?
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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 Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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