Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Madison, MS: $53,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Madison, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new financial advisors entering the job market in Madison, Mississippi, can expect starting salaries beginning around $53,213. While this entry-level pay may seem modest compared to the city median of $91,746, it represents a realistic entry point for recent graduates. Over the first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate incremental growth as they gain experience, moving from the lower percentiles toward the median salary, with projected opportunities to reach levels around $66,420 within a few years. Given the promising annual growth rate of 3.30% and the stability of the financial services market in Madison, the area remains a viable option for new graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level financial advisors in Madison, MS typically start between $53,213 and $66,420 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,993 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,746 — 15.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Mississippi of $32,000 represents just 60.14% of the starting financial advisor pay ($53,213/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $53,213 to $66,420, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $88,993 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,082
2025 BLS Actual
$51,513
2026 Current Est.
$53,213
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,969 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, MS grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,082 in 2019 to $51,513 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,969. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Several prominent employers in Madison are particularly keen on hiring new graduates in the financial advisory field. Firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual actively recruit entry-level advisors, often providing structured training programs combined with a commission bonus structure. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly looking for candidates with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials or those in the CFP candidate pool for associate roles focused on client service. For aspiring financial advisors, obtaining relevant licenses such as the Series 7 and Series 66, alongside potential certifications like the CFP or CFA, can significantly elevate initial compensation. In this evolving industry, advisors should understand the shift toward fee-only models and AUM-based compensation practices, ideally positioning themselves for salary increases as they develop client relationships and deliver financial planning services. As new entrants gain experience in this bifurcating market, realistic expectations for earnings growth in the first three years should align with advancing from entry-level compensation to higher percentiles as their client base expands.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Madison in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Madison?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Madison?
How do I become a financial advisor in Mississippi?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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