Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $56,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Chesapeake, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,170 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chesapeake's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,428 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,846) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the financial advisory field in Chesapeake, Virginia, the starting pay for new graduates is likely to be around $56,170 in 2026, which can feel below the city's median annual salary of $96,846. However, as one gains experience in this evolving sector, there are substantial growth prospects. Within the first few years, entry-level advisors may see their earnings reach the P25 mark of $69,729. The city presents a promising opportunity for recent graduates, especially given the projected 3.30% annual growth rate in salaries. New entrants can effectively bridge the income gap by leveraging the expansion of fee-only registered investment advisory (RIA) firms and the ongoing demand for financial services across diverse client demographics.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chesapeake
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 Chesapeake
Entry-level financial advisors in Chesapeake, VA typically start between $56,170 and $69,729 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,941 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,846 — 10.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Virginia of $55,000 represents just 97.92% of the starting financial advisor pay ($56,170/year) in Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake
- 1Research the Chesapeake market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $56,170 to $69,729, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chesapeake'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 Chesapeake is $93,941 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,170, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,111.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,532
2025 BLS Actual
$54,376
2026 Current Est.
$56,170
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,532 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,024 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Chesapeake, VA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,532 in 2019 to $54,376 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,024. New graduates entering the Chesapeake job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Chesapeake is home to several employers actively seeking new grad financial advisors, predominantly in insurance agencies such as Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which often have structured training programs and bonus incentives tied to commissions. Various wirehouses recruit early-career advisors through training programs, albeit at a reduced scale now, while regional investment advisors focus on hiring from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, providing a clear pathway for high-quality client service roles. To enhance entry-level compensation, new advisors should pursue essential credentials like the Series 7 and Series 66 for securities licensing along with state insurance licensing. Moreover, obtaining a CFP certification can be pivotal given the industry's shift toward fiduciary models with assets under management (AUM)-based compensation structures. Realistic expectations for salary progression within Chesapeake reflect the dynamic nature of the financial advisory profession, with growth potential driven by a blend of market demand and additional qualifications over the first few years.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Chesapeake in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Chesapeake?
Is financial planning school worth it in Chesapeake?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Chesapeake?
How do I become a financial advisor in Virginia?
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 Chesapeake. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chesapeake 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