Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $75,267 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,267 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,360 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,772) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting a career as a financial advisor in Hillsboro, Oregon, presents promising prospects for new graduates. For those just entering the field, the entry-level financial advisor salary in Hillsboro is projected at $75,267 in 2026, which notably lags behind the city's median annual salary of $129,772. While this gap may seem daunting, it is essential to recognize the growth potential over the first few years, with salaries expected to elevate to around $93,436 within the first quartile. Given the competitive nature of the job market and the forecasted 3.30% annual growth rate in the industry, Hillsboro is currently an encouraging environment for aspiring financial advisors, especially as firms seek to attract young talent to build their practices.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level financial advisors in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $75,267 and $93,436 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,879 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,772 — 19.56% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Oregon of $55,000 represents just 73.07% of the starting financial advisor pay ($75,267/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $75,267 to $93,436, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $125,879 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,267, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,146.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,352
2025 BLS Actual
$72,863
2026 Current Est.
$75,267
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,267 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,751 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,352 in 2019 to $72,863 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,751. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
In the Hillsboro area, a variety of employers actively seek new financial advisors, including insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which often provide structured ramp-up periods and bonuses tied to commissions. Regional Investment Advisors (RIAs) are another viable avenue, offering paths for associate advisors that typically favor those with certifications such as the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or a track record in client service. New entrants equipped with a Bachelor’s degree and securities licenses, such as Series 7 and 66, can enhance their hiring appeal and starting pay. Career strategies in this evolving industry emphasize adaptability; many wirehouses are moving towards an employee model, allowing commission-based earnings, while RIAs are reportedly growing. As such, the financial landscape is shifting towards fiduciary responsibilities and AUM-based compensation. For young professionals in their first three years, realistic salary growth expectations are tied closely to certification achievements and firm performance, particularly in this thriving market in Hillsboro.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Hillsboro in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Hillsboro?
Is financial planning school worth it in Hillsboro?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Hillsboro?
How do I become a financial advisor in Oregon?
Related Pages
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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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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