Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Jackson, MI: $46,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Jackson, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,237 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,379 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,686) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Starting a career as a financial advisor in Jackson, MI, offers new graduates an exciting opportunity, although the entry-level financial advisor salary reflects the beginning of a larger earning potential. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to start at around $46,237, significantly lower than the city median salary of $115,686. This gap highlights an initial struggle for new entrants, but there is room for growth; advisors can expect to see their earnings increase to $64,191 as they gain experience and proficiency in the field over the first few years. Given the competitive salary trajectory, Jackson is a burgeoning market for fresh graduates looking to establish themselves, especially as wealth management continues to diversify.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level financial advisors in Jackson, MI typically start between $46,237 and $64,191 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $315,716 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,686 — 6.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Michigan of $48,000 represents just 103.81% of the starting financial advisor pay ($46,237/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $46,237 to $64,191, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson's below-average 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 Jackson is $315,716 ( 682.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,237, experienced hygienists can earn up to $361,953.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,910
2025 BLS Actual
$44,760
2026 Current Est.
$46,237
2019–2027 Growth
+-9.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,763 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MI grew -15.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,910 in 2019 to $44,760 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,763. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Local firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual actively recruit new talent, offering structured training programs that often include bonuses on commissions. In addition, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are emerging as key players in the hiring process, targeting candidates holding a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation or pursuing securities licensing. While a bachelor's degree is the basic requirement, possessing additional credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses proves advantageous for those entering financial services in Jackson. Furthermore, recent graduates should focus on developing a solid career strategy over the first three years, as the industry shifts toward a fee-only RIA model that rewards advisors based on assets under management rather than commission-based sales. This structural change presents a promising landscape for growth, making Jackson a favorable environment for new grad financial advisor pay in Michigan.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Jackson?
Is financial planning school worth it in Jackson?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a financial advisor in Michigan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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