Entry-Level Financial Advisor Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $68,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:New financial advisors entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,151 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2052, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,967 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,502) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the financial advisory field in Sun Prairie, WI, can expect to see starting salaries reflective of the city's economic environment. Entry-level positions are projected to offer an annual salary of approximately $68,151, notably below the overall city median salary of $117,502. This initial earning potential, however, allows for a promising growth trajectory. As new advisors gain experience, they may see their salaries climb toward the P25 threshold of $85,513 within the first few years, leading to a more competitive positioning as they acclimate to the demands of the profession. With the current dynamics of the job market, Sun Prairie presents a workable environment for new graduate financial advisors, particularly as the industry continues to evolve.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level financial advisors in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $68,151 and $85,513 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,976 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,502 — 8.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average financial planning program cost in Wisconsin of $45,000 represents just 66.03% of the starting financial advisor pay ($68,151/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level financial advisor pay ranges from $68,151 to $85,513, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie's below-average 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 Sun Prairie is $113,976 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,151, experienced hygienists can earn up to $182,127.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,457
2025 BLS Actual
$65,974
2026 Current Est.
$68,151
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,400 | Projected |
Entry-level financial advisor compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 16.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,457 in 2019 to $65,974 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,400. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Employers in Sun Prairie that actively recruit entry-level candidates include well-known agencies such as Northwestern Mutual, Edward Jones, and MassMutual. These firms often have structured programs designed to onboard new advisors, which typically include a combination of base pay, commissions, and bonuses. Additionally, registered investment advisors (RIAs) may look for associates from the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate pool, offering structured paths in client services without the commission-heavy model typical of wirehouses. Candidates can enhance their starting pay in Wisconsin by obtaining crucial credentials, including a Bachelor's degree, Series 7 and 66 licenses, and possibly the CFP designation. In the first three years, new financial advisors might reasonably expect to see salary increases as they adapt to the evolving market, with the current bifurcation of commission-based models and fee-only fiduciary practices shaping their compensation trajectories. This reflects a crucial time for new advisors, making strategic beginnings paramount to their long-term success in the industry.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for financial advisors in Sun Prairie in 2026?
How fast do financial advisor salaries grow in Sun Prairie?
Is financial planning school worth it in Sun Prairie?
What do new financial advisors make right out of school in Sun Prairie?
How do I become a financial advisor in Wisconsin?
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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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie 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