Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in High Point, NC: $74,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the High Point, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,512 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out High Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,469) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory field in High Point, NC, can expect a starting financial advisor salary in the vicinity of $74,512. This figure is significantly below the city's projected median income of $128,469, indicating that entry-level positions may provide a challenging yet promising starting point for recent graduates. As they gain experience, these newcomers can realistically anticipate earning around $92,498 at the 25th percentile, eventually aiming for the median salary within their first three to five years of employment. High Point presents a viable market for new financial advisors, particularly due to its promising salary ranges and potential for growth in one of the fastest-evolving sectors in finance.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in High Point
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 High Point
Entry-level financial advisors in High Point, NC typically start between $74,512 and $92,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,615 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,469 — 18.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in North Carolina of $42,000 represents just 56.37% of the starting financial advisor pay ($74,512/year) in High Point. 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 High Point
- 1Research the High Point market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $74,512 to $92,498, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in High Point, 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 High Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5High Point'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 High Point is $124,615 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,512, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,127.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,727
2025 BLS Actual
$72,132
2026 Current Est.
$74,512
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,727 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,367 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,034 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,971 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in High Point, NC grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,727 in 2019 to $72,132 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,971. New graduates entering the High Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point 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 High Point
Employers in High Point recognize the potential of fresh talent, actively seeking to hire new financial advisors from diverse educational backgrounds, especially those holding relevant qualifications. Companies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual often recruit new graduates with structured ramp-up programs, allowing for a blend of salary and commission incentives. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) increasingly prefer candidates who are Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidates, offering clearly defined paths for career advancement. Early career professionals can enhance their starting pay by obtaining sought-after credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. The industry currently faces a divide between those who follow a commission-based model typically found in wirehouses and those adopting an AUM-based fee model common among RIAs. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years can lead to promising advancements, aligning well with High Point's dynamic economic environment for financial advisors.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
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 High Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for High Point 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