Financial Advisor Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $53.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a financial advisor working in Merced, CA runs $53.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,192 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, financial advisors command a median hourly rate of $53.84, which is slightly above the national median of $52.18. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for financial planning services in various settings, whether it's in wirehouse branch offices, independent advisory firms, or through virtual meetings catering to high-net-worth clients. The hourly wage ranges from $31.23 for entry-level positions to $83.46 for those at the top of their field, making it a potentially lucrative option for both part-time and per-diem workers. Many advisors may choose to work part-time—around three days a week—using this hourly compensation to tailor their work-life balance while still engaging clients effectively.
About the Merced Market
Salary estimated from California average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Financial Advisor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.23 | $249.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.77 | $310.15 |
| Median (P50) | $53.84 | $430.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.91 | $551.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.46 | $667.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $53.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.84/hr, a financial advisor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,987 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,608. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,153.60 | $9,332 | $111,987 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,292.16 | $5,599 | $67,192 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $861.44 | $3,733 | $44,795 |
Compare CFP, FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor (Merced) | $53.84 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Accountant / Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Insurance Sales Agent (National Avg) | $29.02 |
| Securities / Commodities Sales Agent (National Avg) | $35.30 |
Financial Advisors in Merced, CA earn a median of $111,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.18% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 2.80% below the California state average of $115,214.
Financial Advisor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.84/hr = $67,192/year (purchasing power: $59,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,987/year (purchasing power: $99,016).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for financial advisors in Merced grew 19.6% from $43.58/hr (2019) to $52.12/hr (2025). At a 3.30% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem financial advisors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merced 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.
Working as an Hourly Financial Advisor in Merced
Those looking to work as part-time financial advisors in Merced might find themselves earning significantly less than their full-time counterparts, particularly if they commit to about 24 hours a week. However, the potential for higher earnings exists in per-diem arrangements and project-based consulting work, especially for seasoned advisors who can charge between $3,000 and $15,000 for comprehensive financial plans. Employers in Merced range from large wirehouses like Morgan Stanley to smaller insurance agencies, with hourly rates varying widely based on the advisory model—fiduciaries at RIAs could earn less hourly but are often compensated with benefits, whereas independent advisors might negotiate higher rates without the safety net of health insurance. For financial professionals navigating their career paths, understanding the nuances of the local market and client needs is essential; solid negotiation skills can help those in hourly roles maximize their income while balancing the trade-offs of compensation structures.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for financial advisors in Merced. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Merced 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