Financial Advisor Pay

Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $52,887 (2026)

Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,887 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.23% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,247 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,183) within a few years of clinical practice.

$52,887
Starting Salary
$25.42/hr
Starting Hourly
$52,887
Entry Level
$91,183
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Financial Advisor Entry Level Salary in Fredericksburg, VA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fredericksburg, VA financial advisor entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Entering the financial advisory field in Fredericksburg, Virginia, presents a diverse range of starting salaries for new graduates. An entry-level financial advisor can expect a starting salary around $52,887, which underscores the reality that the financial advising industry can have a steep earnings curve in its initial years. This figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $91,183 in the city, indicating significant room for growth as one gains experience and builds a client base. Over the first few years, many can realistically aim to progress through the salary tiers, moving from the initial starting point to approximately $66,573 (P25) and eventually toward the city’s median. With the expected annual growth rate of 3.30%, Fredericksburg may currently be a promising market for new grads looking to establish their careers in financial advising.

About the Fredericksburg Market

Salary estimated from Virginia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$52,887/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$66,573/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$91,183/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$116,715/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for financial advisors in Fredericksburg. The median salary is $91,183, compared to the national median of $108,537.$47.6K$72.8K$98.0K$123.2K$148.4K$52.9K10th Pctl$66.6K25th Pctl$91.2KMedian$116.7K75th Pctl$141.3K90th PctlUS Median$108.5K

Entry-level financial advisors in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $52,887 and $66,573 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,447 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,18315.99% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of financial advisor pay in the Fredericksburg metro area.

Return on Investment

$55,000
Avg VA Program Cost
$52,887
Starting Salary
104.00%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.0 yr
Payback Estimate

The average financial planning program cost in Virginia of $55,000 represents just 104.00% of the starting financial advisor pay ($52,887/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg

  • 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $52,887 to $66,573, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $88,447 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,887, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,334.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$43,812

2025 BLS Actual

$51,197

2026 Current Est.

$52,887

2019–2027 Growth

+24.7%

Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Fredericksburg (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for financial advisors in Fredericksburg. Baseline $43,812 in 2025, projected to $54,632 by 2027.$38.8K$47.6K$56.3K$65.0K$73.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$43.8K$45.0K$48.5K$47.6K$49.7K$68.8K$51.2K$52.9K$54.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$43,812Actual
2020$44,985Actual
2021$48,524Actual
2022$47,637Actual
2023$49,708Actual
2024$68,761Actual
2025$51,197Actual
2026(current)$52,887Estimated
2027$54,632Projected

Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,812 in 2019 to $51,197 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,632. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Fredericksburg

Several organizations in Fredericksburg actively seek to hire entry-level financial advisors, creating a competitive environment for new graduates. Notable employers include established insurance agencies like Northwestern Mutual and MassMutual, which often provide structured onboarding programs that integrate bonuses into commissions for new hires. Additionally, wirehouses may recruit through training programs, but these opportunities are becoming less prevalent. Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) typically look for associate advisors from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, presenting a clear pathway for growth and client engagement. Obtaining key designations such as the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses and obtaining the CFP credential can significantly enhance starting financial advisor pay in VA. Career starters can expect their salaries to grow as they develop their expertise, navigate the commission-based versus fee-only RIA models, and adapt to the evolving landscape of financial advising that increasingly rewards fiduciary responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Fredericksburg in 2026?

Entry-level financial advisors in Fredericksburg start at approximately $52,887/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.30% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $25.43/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Fredericksburg?

Most financial advisors in Fredericksburg progress from the entry-level salary of $52,887 to the area median of $91,183 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $141,334 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is financial planning school worth it in Fredericksburg?

With a starting salary of $52,887/year in Fredericksburg and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new financial advisors recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Fredericksburg?

New financial planning graduates in Fredericksburg typically start near the 10th percentile at $52,887/year, or approximately $25.43/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a financial advisor in Virginia?

To become a licensed financial advisor in Virginia, you typically need bachelor's degree typically required (finance, economics, accounting, or business). career credentials: series 7 + series 65 or 66 (finra exams) for licensed advisors; cfp (certified financial planner) for fee-based planning; cfa (chartered financial analyst) for investment-focused work; chfc for insurance-focused. most paths require 2-3 years of supervised experience plus exam pass., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Virginia, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some financial advisors pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Virginia

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sophia Martinez, CFAData verified by Ethan Wang, ChFC

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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Fredericksburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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