Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Pittsfield, MA: $78,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Pittsfield, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pittsfield's local price level (BEA RPP 95.1 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,743 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into financial advisory roles in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, can expect starting salaries around $78,694. For those in their first job, this figure represents a significant initial stepping stone compared to the city's median annual salary of $130,055. The pathway for early-career advisors appears promising; as they gain experience and skill, their earnings are projected to rise toward $85,543 at the 25th percentile within a couple of years, before potentially reaching or exceeding the local median within a span of three to five years. Additionally, Pittsfield's financial landscape presents a favorable environment for new advisors, given its growing demand for professional financial guidance amidst evolving economic conditions.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pittsfield
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 Pittsfield
Entry-level financial advisors in Pittsfield, MA typically start between $78,694 and $85,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $219,636 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,055 — 19.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Massachusetts of $88,000 represents just 111.83% of the starting financial advisor pay ($78,694/year) in Pittsfield. 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 Pittsfield
- 1Research the Pittsfield market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $78,694 to $85,543, 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 Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pittsfield'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 Pittsfield is $219,636 ( 279.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $298,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,170
2025 BLS Actual
$76,180
2026 Current Est.
$78,694
2019–2027 Growth
+5.3%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,203 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,291 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Pittsfield, MA grew -1.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $77,170 in 2019 to $76,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,291. New graduates entering the Pittsfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
A variety of employers in Pittsfield actively seek to onboard new financial advisors, particularly through established firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual. These companies often provide structured training programs along with a bonus structure that supports new grads during their ramp-up period. Independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are also expanding their hiring, typically welcoming associate advisors from those holding CFP credentials, as they offer a clear pathway for client engagement and services. To enhance starting financial advisor pay in MA, securing necessary licenses such as the Series 7 and Series 66 is essential, alongside credentials like the CFP or CFA which signify commitment and expertise. In these first three years, realistic salary growth can be expected, especially in a market increasingly favoring the fiduciary model offered by RIAs, where compensation is generally linked to the assets under management, rather than traditional commission-based remuneration at wirehouses. This bifurcation highlights the evolving opportunities for career advancement in financial advising within Pittsfield and reflects the industry's broader trends toward enhanced client service and ethical financial management.
More salary data for Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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