Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in College Park, MD: $67,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the College Park, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,167 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out College Park's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,804) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent graduates considering a career in financial advising in College Park, MD, should anticipate a starting financial advisor salary around $67,167 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum, showing a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $115,804 for the area. However, there is potential for growth within the first few years, as advisors can progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $83,380, with diligent effort and experience. College Park represents a viable market for new financial advisors, particularly given the strong industry presence and supportive community for financial services, making it an attractive option for new graduates filled with ambition.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in College Park
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 College Park
Entry-level financial advisors in College Park, MD typically start between $67,167 and $83,380 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,330 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,804 — 6.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Maryland of $58,000 represents just 86.35% of the starting financial advisor pay ($67,167/year) in College Park. 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 College Park
- 1Research the College Park market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $67,167 to $83,380, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in College Park, 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 College Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5College Park'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 College Park is $112,330 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,167, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,497.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,642
2025 BLS Actual
$65,021
2026 Current Est.
$67,167
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,642 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,021 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,383 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in College Park, MD grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,642 in 2019 to $65,021 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,383. New graduates entering the College Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Park 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 College Park
Many local employers recognize the value of bringing on new talent in this field, particularly established firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which often have structured onboarding programs designed to support new advisors. These organizations typically offer mentorship initiatives that incentivize commission-based earnings while fostering professional development. For those aiming to enhance their earning potential, credentials play an essential role; obtaining the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with considered designations like the CFP and CFA, can significantly impact starting salaries in MD's competitive financial landscape. Over the first few years, new financial advisors can expect their compensation to rise, particularly in fee-only RIA environments, aligning with the broader shift in the industry towards fiduciary practices driven by client-centric service offerings and asset-based fees.
More salary data for College Park, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in College Park in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in College Park?
Is financial planning school worth it in College Park?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in College Park?
How do I become a financial advisor in Maryland?
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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 College Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for College Park 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