Financial Advisor Pay

Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Billerica, MA: $73,414 (2026)

Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,414 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,663 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($126,577) within a few years of clinical practice.

$73,414
Starting Salary
$35.30/hr
Starting Hourly
$73,414
Entry Level
$126,577
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Financial Advisor Entry Level Salary in Billerica, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Billerica, MA financial advisor entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory profession in Billerica, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level financial advisor salary ranging from $73,414 to $91,599, with the city’s median salary standing at $126,577. This represents a notable gap that entry-level advisors need to navigate as they embark on their careers. Over the first few years, individuals in this role can expect to see growth trajectories that could lead them towards the median, depending on performance and market conditions. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.30%, the market presents promising opportunities for new advisors eager to establish themselves in this field. Billerica's environment appears favorable for fresh graduates, making it a good choice for those looking to start their careers in financial advising.

About the Billerica Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$73,414/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$91,599/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$126,577/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$162,018/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for financial advisors in Billerica. The median salary is $126,577, compared to the national median of $108,537.$66.1K$101.1K$136.0K$171.0K$206.0K$73.4K10th Pctl$91.6K25th Pctl$126.6KMedian$162.0K75th Pctl$196.2K90th PctlUS Median$108.5K

Entry-level financial advisors in Billerica, MA typically start between $73,414 and $91,599 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,780 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $126,57716.62% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of financial advisor pay in the Billerica metro area.

Return on Investment

$88,000
Avg MA Program Cost
$73,414
Starting Salary
119.87%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.2 yr
Payback Estimate

The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 119.87% of the starting financial advisor pay ($73,414/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica

  • 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $73,414 to $91,599, 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 Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $122,780 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,414, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,194.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$60,817

2025 BLS Actual

$71,069

2026 Current Est.

$73,414

2019–2027 Growth

+24.7%

Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Billerica (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for financial advisors in Billerica. Baseline $60,817 in 2025, projected to $75,837 by 2027.$54.5K$65.6K$76.7K$87.9K$99.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$60.8K$62.4K$67.4K$66.1K$69.0K$92.6K$71.1K$73.4K$75.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$60,817Actual
2020$62,446Actual
2021$67,359Actual
2022$66,127Actual
2023$69,002Actual
2024$92,632Actual
2025$71,069Actual
2026(current)$73,414Estimated
2027$75,837Projected

Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,817 in 2019 to $71,069 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,837. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Billerica

In Billerica, several employers actively recruit new graduates to support their financial advisory teams. Insurance agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones are notable for hiring entry-level advisors, often providing structured training programs that incorporate bonus incentives tied to commissions. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly seeking associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, offering a pathway towards client service roles. To boost starting pay, credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses are essential for securities work, along with a state insurance license for various products. Furthermore, advanced credentials like CFA, CPA, or CFP can significantly enhance a new grad’s marketability. In the evolving landscape where commission-based broker models contrast with fee-only fiduciary models, aspiring advisors can expect varying compensation structures and should focus on developing expertise that aligns with the industry's ongoing shifts. This deeper understanding can lead to realistic salary growth, positioning entry-level advisors for more lucrative opportunities in the emerging market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Billerica in 2026?

Entry-level financial advisors in Billerica start at approximately $73,414/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.30% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $35.30/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Billerica?

Most financial advisors in Billerica progress from the entry-level salary of $73,414 to the area median of $126,577 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $196,194 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is financial planning school worth it in Billerica?

With a starting salary of $73,414/year in Billerica and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new financial advisors recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Billerica?

New financial planning graduates in Billerica typically start near the 10th percentile at $73,414/year, or approximately $35.30/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a financial advisor in Massachusetts?

To become a licensed financial advisor in Massachusetts, you typically need bachelor's degree typically required (finance, economics, accounting, or business). career credentials: series 7 + series 65 or 66 (finra exams) for licensed advisors; cfp (certified financial planner) for fee-based planning; cfa (chartered financial analyst) for investment-focused work; chfc for insurance-focused. most paths require 2-3 years of supervised experience plus exam pass., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Massachusetts, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some financial advisors pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sophia Martinez, CFAData verified by Ethan Wang, ChFC

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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Billerica is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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