Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $45,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Wadsworth, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,785 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wadsworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,480 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,939) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of financial advising in Wadsworth, OH can expect a starting financial advisor salary around $45,785 in 2026. This initial pay is notably lower than the city median of $78,939, illustrating the starting point for entry-level roles and the potential gap that new advisors must anticipate. However, with experience and skill development, salaries can increase significantly, moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching the median within the first few years of employment. Given the projected growth rate of 3.30% annually, Wadsworth presents a supportive environment for nascent financial advisors looking to establish their careers, even if salaries start on the lower end compared to national benchmarks.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wadsworth
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 Wadsworth
Entry-level financial advisors in Wadsworth, OH typically start between $45,785 and $56,836 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,570 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,939 — 27.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Ohio of $48,000 represents just 104.84% of the starting financial advisor pay ($45,785/year) in Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth
- 1Research the Wadsworth market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $45,785 to $56,836, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wadsworth'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 Wadsworth is $76,570 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,785, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,355.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,928
2025 BLS Actual
$44,322
2026 Current Est.
$45,785
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,296 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Wadsworth, OH grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,928 in 2019 to $44,322 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,296. New graduates entering the Wadsworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
In Wadsworth, various employers actively recruit new graduates into financial advisory roles, with firms such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual frequently hiring entry-level advisors. These organizations often offer structured training programs and additional bonuses tied to commissions, which can help new advisors build a client base more effectively. Candidates boosting their qualifications with a Series 7 license and a Series 66 (or the equivalent) can see increases in starting pay while also positioning themselves favorably in a competitive job market. For those contemplating the strategic direction of their careers, aligning with a fee-only RIA path—given the industry's shift towards fiduciary models—can result in salary advancements based on assets under management. Realistically, early-career financial advisors in Wadsworth can aim for gradual salary increases as they gain experience and contribute to firm growth, capitalizing on the evolving landscape of financial services in Ohio.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
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 Wadsworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wadsworth 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