Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Kennewick, WA: $65,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,244 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,192 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,283) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory profession in Kennewick, Washington, can expect starting salaries around $65,244, which is reflective of the entry-level salary range for the area. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $105,283. However, prospective advisors should feel optimistic about their career trajectory. Over the first few years in the field, salaries can advance as new professionals gain experience and develop their client bases, with many anticipating movement toward the $80,553 level within three to five years. Given these dynamics, Kennewick emerges as a solid market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers, especially contrasted with national trends.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level financial advisors in Kennewick, WA typically start between $65,244 and $80,553 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $218,376 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,283 — 3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Washington of $58,000 represents just 88.90% of the starting financial advisor pay ($65,244/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $65,244 to $80,553, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $218,376 ( 334.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,244, experienced hygienists can earn up to $283,620.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,210
2025 BLS Actual
$63,160
2026 Current Est.
$65,244
2019–2027 Growth
+91.4%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,397 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 79.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,210 in 2019 to $63,160 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,397. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Various employers in Kennewick actively seek to recruit emerging financial advisors, primarily among insurance career agencies like Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, which often provide structured training programs and incentives to promote commission-based earnings. While wirehouses historically focused on new talent through rigorous training schedules, they have begun modifying their approaches in response to industry shifts. Additionally, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and bank wealth management teams may offer opportunities, particularly for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree and relevant licensing, such as the Series 7 and Series 66. Obtaining additional credentials like the CFP can significantly enhance a new grad's marketability and starting pay in WA. In the first three years, those entering fee-only RIA environments may find themselves transitioning swiftly from entry-level roles to more lucrative positions that align with AUM-based compensation models, reflecting the industry's movement towards a fiduciary standard versus the traditional commission-based models.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kennewick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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