Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Rutland, VT: $60,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Rutland, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rutland's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,339 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,105) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Rutland, Vermont, the starting financial advisor salary is projected to begin at around $60,381 in 2026. This figure, while a solid entry-level wage, reflects a significant gap from the overall city median salary of $104,105. Graduates can expect gradual progression through early career stages, potentially reaching $74,956 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. Given this trajectory, Rutland presents a mixed bag for new advisors; while the salary growth aligns with the 3.30% annual growth rate projected for the field, many early-career financial advisors may find themselves navigating a local market that offers competitive compensation but still positions them below national averages.
About the Rutland Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rutland
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 Rutland
Entry-level financial advisors in Rutland, VT typically start between $60,381 and $74,956 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,981 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,105 — 4.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Vermont of $58,000 represents just 96.06% of the starting financial advisor pay ($60,381/year) in Rutland. 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 Rutland
- 1Research the Rutland market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $60,381 to $74,956, 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 Rutland, 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 Rutland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rutland'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 Rutland is $100,981 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,362.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,020
2025 BLS Actual
$58,452
2026 Current Est.
$60,381
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Rutland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,387 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,373 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Rutland, VT grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,020 in 2019 to $58,452 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,373. New graduates entering the Rutland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rutland 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 Rutland
In Rutland, several employers actively recruit entry-level financial advisors, including notable insurance firms like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones. These companies often provide structured onboarding programs with bonuses based on performance, making them appealing options for new grads seeking stability. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are increasingly popular, especially those looking to establish a client service path for candidates with CFP credentials. Aspiring advisors should also prioritize acquiring licenses, such as the Series 7 and Series 66, as these can significantly enhance starting compensation. Amidst a shifting landscape where many wirehouses adapt to an employee-focused model, earning potential varies. Remaining adaptable and pursuing additional qualifications, such as certified financial planner or chartered financial analyst designations, can lead to a more substantial compensation trajectory in the Rutland area.
More salary data for Rutland, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Rutland in 2026?
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Is financial planning school worth it in Rutland?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Rutland?
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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 Rutland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rutland 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