Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Bennington, VT: $62,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,644) 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 Bennington, Vermont, can expect starting salaries around $62,433, which falls significantly below the city's overall median salary of $107,644. This presents a considerable pay gap for those just beginning their careers. However, entry-level financial advisors have potential for growth as they gain experience and develop their skills, with the initial phase often leading to salary milestones around $77,504 within a few years. Such trajectories suggest that while starting financial advisor salaries in Bennington may not compete with the median, this market offers a solid foundation for career advancement and salary increases over the first three to five years.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
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 Bennington
Entry-level financial advisors in Bennington, VT typically start between $62,433 and $77,504 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,415 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,644 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Vermont of $58,000 represents just 92.90% of the starting financial advisor pay ($62,433/year) in Bennington. 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 Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $62,433 to $77,504, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bennington, 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 Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington'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 Bennington is $104,415 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,848.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,721
2025 BLS Actual
$60,439
2026 Current Est.
$62,433
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,284 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,494 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,721 in 2019 to $60,439 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,494. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
Employers in Bennington actively seeking to hire new graduates for financial advisory roles include major insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones. These organizations typically offer structured ramp-up periods coupled with bonuses that can enhance new grad financial advisor pay in VT. Additionally, wirehouses provide training programs, although many have reduced these initiatives recently. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly hiring associate advisors from candidates pursuing Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualifications, promoting paths in client service. Recent graduates should consider obtaining relevant credentials such as Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with state insurance qualifications, as these can significantly improve entry-level pay. With the industry bifurcating between fee-only RIAs and commission-based wirehouses, aspiring advisors should be mindful of the fast-growing RIA model, which often compensates based on assets under management, offering a more stable and long-term growth trajectory.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Bennington in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Bennington?
Is financial planning school worth it in Bennington?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Bennington?
How do I become a financial advisor in Vermont?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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