Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Amherst Town, MA: $59,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Amherst Town, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,191 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Amherst Town's local price level (BEA RPP 100.2 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,048 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($149,981) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amherst Town, Massachusetts, graduates entering the field of financial advising should anticipate a starting salary around $59,191 in 2026. This entry-level compensation may initially appear significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $149,981, but there’s potential for substantial growth within the first few years. The salary trajectory shows a path from $59,191 at the 10th percentile to $88,817 at the 25th percentile, offering new financial advisors the opportunity to build their earnings as they gain experience and develop their client base. Furthermore, Amherst Town is currently a favorable market for fresh graduates, with a growing need for financial services aligning with the region's increasing affluence and economic expansion.
Career Earnings Timeline in Amherst Town
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 Amherst Town
Entry-level financial advisors in Amherst Town, MA typically start between $59,191 and $88,817 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $307,297 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $149,981 — 38.18% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 148.67% of the starting financial advisor pay ($59,191/year) in Amherst Town. 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 Amherst Town
- 1Research the Amherst Town market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $59,191 to $88,817, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Amherst Town, 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 Amherst Town for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Amherst Town'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 Amherst Town is $307,297 ( 519.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,191, experienced hygienists can earn up to $366,488.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 Est.
$49,034
2025 BLS Actual
$57,300
2026 Current Est.
$59,191
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Amherst Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: estimated from national BLS trend. 2025: local BLS actual. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,347 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,144 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation in Amherst Town, MA is projected to grow at 3.30% annually. By 2027, starting salaries could reach $61,144, up $12,110 from the estimated 2019 value. New graduates entering the Amherst Town job market can expect steady year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2024) are estimated from national BLS OEWS trends. The 2025 figure is sourced directly from the BLS OEWS survey. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.30% CAGR derived from national BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your financial planning Career in Amherst Town
Hiring practices in Amherst Town favor various institutions looking to onboard new talent in financial advising. Reputable agencies such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often recruit recent graduates, providing structured training programs with enticing ramp-up incentives. Wirehouses have historically employed new advisors through training programs, although many have downsized these initiatives. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are expanding rapidly and seek associates from the CFP candidate pool, highlighting the growing need for fee-only advisory services. To enhance starting financial advisor pay in MA, acquiring relevant credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 is vital, while pursuing certifications like CFP or CFA can further differentiate new graduates in a competitive market. As the industry shifts toward fee-based compensation models, realistic salary growth during the first three years can be expected, especially for those committed to developing a solid client-centric practice.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
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 Amherst Town. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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