Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Fargo, ND: $61,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Fargo, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fargo's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,605 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,405) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Fargo, North Dakota, the entry-level financial advisor salary presents a realistic starting point of approximately $61,433 as projected for 2026. While this may initially feel like a modest figure compared to the city’s median salary of $78,405, it offers a promising path for growth. Over the first three to five years, entry-level advisors can anticipate a steady climb through the salary tiers, with average figures reaching $65,430 and approaching the median within a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.30%, Fargo presents a viable market for new financial advisors, especially in a competitive industry environment that thrives on both commissions and fee-only planning.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fargo
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 Fargo
Entry-level financial advisors in Fargo, ND typically start between $61,433 and $65,430 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,563 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,405 — 27.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in North Dakota of $38,000 represents just 61.86% of the starting financial advisor pay ($61,433/year) in Fargo. 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 Fargo
- 1Research the Fargo market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $61,433 to $65,430, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fargo, 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 Fargo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fargo'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 Fargo is $80,563 ( 131.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,996.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,810
2025 BLS Actual
$59,470
2026 Current Est.
$61,433
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,460 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Fargo, ND grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,810 in 2019 to $59,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,460. New graduates entering the Fargo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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 Fargo
When looking for entry-level positions in Fargo, potential advisors will find opportunities primarily through established firms like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual, which actively recruit new graduates and offer structured training programs. This nurturing atmosphere often includes ramp-up bonuses tied to commissions, easing the transition into the role. To enhance starting financial advisor pay in ND, obtaining credentials such as the Series 7, Series 66, or even pursuing the CFP designation can significantly elevate one's profile. In the early years, it's essential for new financial advisors to understand the shifting dynamics of the industry, with the rise of RIAs emphasizing fiduciary responsibility and AUM-based compensation, contrasting the traditional commission-based models of wirehouses. As the financial advisory landscape evolves, those just starting in their careers can expect to navigate these challenges while seeking meaningful salary growth in their first few years.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Fargo in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Fargo?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Fargo?
How do I become a financial advisor in North Dakota?
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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 Fargo. 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