Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Ithaca, NY: $82,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Ithaca, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ithaca's local price level (BEA RPP 103.3 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,287 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,261) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level financial advisor salary in Ithaca, NY, is expected to start around $82,950, significantly lower than the city median of $135,261. For new graduates, this presents a notable gap that emphasizes the need for realistic salary expectations when entering the workforce. As advisors gain experience, there is potential to progress to the 25th percentile pay of $104,643 within a few years, though advancing further into the median salary often requires dedication and strategic career choices. Ithaca's market for new grads is relatively promising, especially considering the city's strong educational infrastructure and the burgeoning financial services industry, which may provide various opportunities for those entering this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ithaca
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 Ithaca
Entry-level financial advisors in Ithaca, NY typically start between $82,950 and $104,643 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $221,723 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,261 — 24.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in New York of $82,000 represents just 98.85% of the starting financial advisor pay ($82,950/year) in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca
- 1Research the Ithaca market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $82,950 to $104,643, 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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ithaca'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 Ithaca is $221,723 ( 267.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $304,673.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,780
2025 BLS Actual
$80,300
2026 Current Est.
$82,950
2019–2027 Growth
+100.3%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,687 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Ithaca, NY grew 87.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,780 in 2019 to $80,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,687. New graduates entering the Ithaca job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Ithaca's job market for entry-level financial advisors is primarily supported by local insurance agencies and banks. Firms such as Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones actively recruit graduates, often offering structured ramp-up plans and bonuses tied to commissions. Additionally, registered investment advisors (RIAs) and wirehouses are beginning to shift their training models—while RIAs look for candidates with CFP certification to join their ranks, wirehouses are moving towards the employee model for advisors. To enhance starting financial advisor pay in NY, credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 will prove invaluable. During the initial three years, new advisors can realistically aspire to increase their earnings through client acquisition and specialization, particularly in a commission-based environment or by transitioning to fee-only models that reward advisors on an AUM basis. As the industry continues to evolve, those equipped with relevant licenses and a solid understanding of client service dynamics will find greater opportunities for growth in Ithaca.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ithaca. 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