Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Austin, MN: $46,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,683 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,394 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,488) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the entry-level financial advisor salary in Austin, MN, presents a feasible entry point for new graduates looking to break into the financial services sector. The lowest projected starting salary sits at $46,683, which is notably below the city’s median of $80,488. However, entry-level positions can lead to increased earnings as advisors gain experience, with initial pay likely climbing to around $57,951 within a few years. This progression indicates that while the starting pay may appear modest, those who invest in their professional development and certification can anticipate tangible growth in their financial advisor careers. Given these projections and the 3.30% annual growth rate in the industry, Austin provides a compelling environment for recent graduates eager to begin their careers.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level financial advisors in Austin, MN typically start between $46,683 and $57,951 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,073 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,488 — 25.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Minnesota of $52,000 represents just 111.39% of the starting financial advisor pay ($46,683/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $46,683 to $57,951, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin'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 Austin is $78,073 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,683, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,673
2025 BLS Actual
$45,192
2026 Current Est.
$46,683
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,673 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,708 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,358 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,224 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,673 in 2019 to $45,192 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,224. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
Several key employers in Austin frequently seek out new graduates for financial advisory roles, including prestigious firms such as Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, known for their structured training programs and potential bonuses tied to commissions. Wirehouses are also a potential avenue, though they have scaled back traditional recruitments in favor of advisor-as-employee models. For those entering the field, acquiring credentials such as a Series 7 license alongside ongoing professional development, like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, can significantly enhance earning potential. The divergence in the industry—from commission-based structures prominent in wirehouses to the fee-only approach adopted by Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)—presents unique opportunities and pathways for new financial advisors as they navigate their careers. With entry-level salaries showing substantial room for growth, diligent professionals can realistically expect to enhance their earnings within the first few years while pursuing the credentials that distinguish them in a competitive market.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Austin in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Austin?
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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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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