Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Albany, NY: $59,222 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Albany, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,222 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,480 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,722) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the starting financial advisor salary in Albany, NY, is projected to begin at about $59,222, a figure significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $128,722. This gap indicates that new graduates in the financial advisory field may face a steep climb as they transition from entry-level positions toward more lucrative earnings. Over the first few years, advisors can anticipate growth in their salaries as they gain experience, with expectations of moving from the P10 figure into the P25 at approximately $77,175. Given Albany's cost of living index of 99.566, slightly below the national average, the city presents a fair market for new financial advisors seeking to establish their careers while steadily enhancing their earning potential.
Career Earnings Timeline in Albany
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 Albany
Entry-level financial advisors in Albany, NY typically start between $59,222 and $77,175 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $313,319 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,722 — 18.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in New York of $82,000 represents just 138.46% of the starting financial advisor pay ($59,222/year) in Albany. 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 Albany
- 1Research the Albany market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $59,222 to $77,175, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, 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 Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Albany'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 Albany is $313,319 ( 529.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,222, experienced hygienists can earn up to $372,541.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,190
2025 BLS Actual
$57,330
2026 Current Est.
$59,222
2019–2027 Growth
+64.5%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,222 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,176 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, NY grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,190 in 2019 to $57,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,176. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 Albany
Organizations in Albany actively recruiting entry-level financial advisors include firms like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which typically offer structured training programs alongside commission bonuses designed to support new hires as they develop their client base. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are another promising avenue, often seeking recent graduates from Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs for roles that feature a clear path to client engagement. To increase their starting pay, new advisors can consider acquiring industry certifications such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with pursuing the CFP credential, which is recognized as the gold standard in financial planning. Throughout the first three years, as the industry shifts toward a fee-only model predominant among RIAs, entry-level advisors can realistically expect to grow their salaries above the initial figures, especially if they embrace ongoing education and professional development.
More salary data for Albany, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Albany in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Albany?
Is financial planning school worth it in Albany?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Albany?
How do I become a financial advisor in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Albany. 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