Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Northampton, MA: $85,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Northampton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,837 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Northampton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,112 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,996) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, individuals entering the financial advisory field can expect a starting salary around $85,837 in 2026. This entry-level figure reflects a striking gap when compared to the overall median salary for financial advisors in the city, which is projected at $147,996. New graduates should be encouraged by the opportunity for progressive salary growth within their first few years, moving from the entry-level figure to approximately $106,557 as they gain experience and potentially increase their client base. Given the positive salary projections and industry growth trends, Northampton presents a promising market for recent graduates seeking careers in financial advising.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Northampton
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 Northampton
Entry-level financial advisors in Northampton, MA typically start between $85,837 and $106,557 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $143,556 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,996 — 36.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 102.52% of the starting financial advisor pay ($85,837/year) in Northampton. 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 Northampton
- 1Research the Northampton market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $85,837 to $106,557, 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 Northampton, 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 Northampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Northampton'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 Northampton is $143,556 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,837, experienced hygienists can earn up to $229,393.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,108
2025 BLS Actual
$83,095
2026 Current Est.
$85,837
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,108 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,678 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,670 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Northampton, MA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,108 in 2019 to $83,095 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,670. New graduates entering the Northampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton 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 Northampton
To maximize initial earning potential, new graduates should target employers recognized for hiring entry-level advisors in the area. Established companies such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual frequently recruit eager candidates, offering structured training programs that often include attractive bonus structures based on performance. Credentials like a bachelor's degree paired with Series 7 and Series 66 licenses can enhance starting financial advisor pay in MA, while pursuing a CFP certification can provide a competitive edge as the industry shifts toward fiduciary RIA models. As the commission-based broker model increasingly faces pressure, a growing number of RIAs offer sustainable AUM-based compensation. It’s essential for new advisors to position themselves strategically within this evolving landscape, anticipating realistic salary growth based on their ability to build client relationships within the first few years of their careers.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Northampton in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Northampton?
Is financial planning school worth it in Northampton?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Northampton?
How do I become a financial advisor in Massachusetts?
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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 Northampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Northampton 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