Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Memphis, TN: $46,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,289 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,216 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,424) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates stepping into the financial advisory field in Memphis, the entry-level financial advisor salary stands at a starting figure of approximately $46,289 as projected for 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $103,424 for the city, it sets the stage for upward mobility. Over the first three to five years, advisors can reasonably expect to climb from this starting point to the $62,187 mark as they gain experience and client relationships. This gradual increase positions Memphis as a viable market for aspiring financial professionals, particularly given the city's cost-of-living index of 92.179, which is below the national average, making it an appealing location for recent graduates beginning their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
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 Memphis
Entry-level financial advisors in Memphis, TN typically start between $46,289 and $62,187 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $571,817 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,424 — 4.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Tennessee of $45,000 represents just 97.22% of the starting financial advisor pay ($46,289/year) in Memphis. 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 Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $46,289 to $62,187, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Memphis, 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 Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis'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 Memphis is $571,817 ( 1235.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,289, experienced hygienists can earn up to $618,106.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,220
2025 BLS Actual
$44,810
2026 Current Est.
$46,289
2019–2027 Growth
+69.4%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,816 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 58.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,220 in 2019 to $44,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,816. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
Several employers in Memphis are actively seeking new grads for their financial advisory positions. Large insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual typically recruit new advisors and offer structured ramp-up programs, which include bonuses tied to commissions. In contrast, wirehouses previously favored direct recruitment through extensive training programs but are now shifting towards an employee advisor model. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) tend to hire associate advisors from the pool of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidates, offering a career path focused on client service. Incorporating key credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with the CFP designation, can enhance a new grad's earning potential in TN. In the first one to three years, advisors in this sector can anticipate salary growth, aligning with the industry trend moving towards the fee-only RIA model, which emphasizes Assets Under Management-based compensation—a promising pathway for those committed to long-term success in Memphis's financial landscape.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is financial planning school worth it in Memphis?
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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 Memphis. 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