Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Rochester, NH: $65,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Rochester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,020 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,596 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,103) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting their careers as financial advisors in Rochester, New Hampshire, the entry-level compensation scenario presents a promising outlook. The starting financial advisor salary in the city is projected at $65,020 in 2026, which is a relevant baseline for new graduates entering the industry. While this starting figure is around 42% lower than the median annual salary of $112,103, it is essential to recognize the potential for rapid growth in the early years. As new advisors gain experience and build their clientele, salaries can progress to $80,714 within the first few years, and AUM-based compensation structures may lead them towards the median level as they establish themselves. Given Rochester's stable market for financial services, it offers a conducive environment for recent graduates to thrive while also meeting their financial expectations.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level financial advisors in Rochester, NH typically start between $65,020 and $80,714 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,740 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,103 — 3.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in New Hampshire of $62,000 represents just 95.36% of the starting financial advisor pay ($65,020/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $65,020 to $80,714, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $108,740 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,020, experienced hygienists can earn up to $173,760.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,863
2025 BLS Actual
$62,943
2026 Current Est.
$65,020
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,166 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, NH grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,863 in 2019 to $62,943 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,166. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
In terms of employment opportunities for new graduates, Rochester hosts several organizations that actively recruit entry-level financial advisors. Companies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual frequently seek out new talent through structured programs that provide vital training and incentive-based compensation models. Additionally, as the financial advisory sector evolves, many wealth management firms, including registered investment advisors (RIAs), increasingly favor candidates with certifications like the CFP or CFA, which can positively influence starting financial advisor pay in NH. To enhance career prospects, acquiring the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses is recommended alongside pursuit of the CFP credential, which is regarded as the industry gold standard. The compensation structure varies widely, from a commission-based model typical of wirehouses to the fee-only arrangements prevalent in RIAs, shaping salary growth expectations over the initial three years. It is a dynamic time for aspiring financial advisors in Rochester as the industry adapts, creating ripe opportunities for those willing to invest in their professional development.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Rochester in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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