Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Chaska, MN: $48,778 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Chaska, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,778 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chaska's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,521 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,101) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates considering a career as a financial advisor in Chaska, Minnesota, the starting pay for entry-level positions can be quite variable, with estimates projecting the lower end at $48,778. Compared to the median annual salary in the area of $84,101, this difference highlights the initial investment that new financial advisors must make in terms of time and skill development. However, the growth potential is notable as many newly minted advisors can expect their earnings to rise as they gain experience, with projections showing entry-level salaries can progress to $60,552 within a few years, aligning more closely with the city median. Given the local job market and the growing demand for financial services, Chaska presents viable opportunities for new graduates to launch their careers in financial advising.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chaska
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 Chaska
Entry-level financial advisors in Chaska, MN typically start between $48,778 and $60,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,578 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,101 — 22.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Minnesota of $52,000 represents just 106.61% of the starting financial advisor pay ($48,778/year) in Chaska. 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 Chaska
- 1Research the Chaska market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $48,778 to $60,552, 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 Chaska, 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 Chaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chaska'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 Chaska is $81,578 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,778, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,356.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,408
2025 BLS Actual
$47,220
2026 Current Est.
$48,778
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,755 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,977 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,778 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,388 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Chaska, MN grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,408 in 2019 to $47,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,388. New graduates entering the Chaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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 Chaska
Several firms in Chaska actively recruit entry-level financial advisors, with established names like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual leading the charge. These organizations often provide structured training programs and a ramp-up period for commissions, making them attractive to new grads. In contrast, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) typically seek candidates from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) pool, focusing on client service and holistic wealth management. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, obtaining credentials such as Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with potentially pursuing the CFP designation, can significantly impact a new grad’s compensation trajectory in this industry. With the shift towards fee-only fiduciary models gaining momentum, aspiring advisors should be prepared for a dynamic landscape in their first few years, potentially witnessing substantial increases in their earnings as they solidify their client base and transition into more advisory roles.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Chaska in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Chaska?
Is financial planning school worth it in Chaska?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Chaska?
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Related Pages
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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 Chaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chaska 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