Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Colchester, VT: $60,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Colchester, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,312 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colchester's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,272 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,986) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advising field in Colchester, Vermont, can expect a starting salary of approximately $60,312, which represents the 10th percentile for entry-level positions. While this may seem modest against the city’s median annual salary of $103,986, it’s essential for newcomers to recognize the potential for upward movement. As they gain experience, entry-level advisors may find themselves moving up to the 25th percentile salary of $74,870, giving them a clear path to the median within the first three to five years. Colchester’s growing job market, particularly for financial advisors, makes it an appealing destination for recent graduates, who are positioned to take advantage of the city’s rising demand in the financial sector.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colchester
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 Colchester
Entry-level financial advisors in Colchester, VT typically start between $60,312 and $74,870 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,866 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,986 — 4.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Vermont of $58,000 represents just 96.17% of the starting financial advisor pay ($60,312/year) in Colchester. 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 Colchester
- 1Research the Colchester market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $60,312 to $74,870, 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 Colchester, 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 Colchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colchester'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 Colchester is $100,866 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,312, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,178.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,963
2025 BLS Actual
$58,385
2026 Current Est.
$60,312
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,301 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,385 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,302 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Colchester, VT grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,963 in 2019 to $58,385 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,302. New graduates entering the Colchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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 Colchester
Employers in Colchester looking to hire new graduates typically include major insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, as well as wirehouses and registered investment advisors (RIAs). These institutions often provide structured ramp-up programs coupled with bonuses, enabling early-career financial advisors to build their client bases effectively. A bachelor's degree remains essential, but those who pursue credentials such as the Series 7 and Series 66 licenses or the CFP designation can significantly enhance their starting financial advisor pay in VT. With the industry increasingly bifurcating into commission-based models at wirehouses and fee-only structures at RIAs, new graduates should focus on trajectories that fit their career aspirations. Typically, those at RIAs can expect asset-under-management compensation models, which may lead to faster salary growth in this environment, where emerging advisors can see realistic salary increases that align with their credentials and client successes during their first few years.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Colchester in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Colchester?
Is financial planning school worth it in Colchester?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Colchester?
How do I become a financial advisor in Vermont?
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 Colchester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Colchester 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