Financial Advisor Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $48.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a financial advisor working in Helena, MT runs $48.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,398 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, Montana, financial advisors earn a median hourly rate of $48.40, which is somewhat lower than the national median of $52.18. This hourly pay rate offers a competitive wage that can benefit part-time advisors working three days a week, allowing for flexibility in income while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For those who operate on an ad-hoc basis or per-diem, such as offering advice in wirehouse branch offices or during virtual planning meetings, the earnings can vary widely; entry-level positions may see rates starting from $29.22, while more experienced advisors can command up to $56.56 per hour. The flexibility in work environments—from independent contractor arrangements to roles in established firms—makes this a versatile position within the financial services industry.
Financial Advisor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.22 | $233.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.48 | $347.83 |
| Median (P50) | $48.40 | $387.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.40 | $387.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.56 | $452.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $48.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.40/hr, a financial advisor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $100,664 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,075. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.84 | $8,389 | $100,664 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.51 | $5,033 | $60,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.34 | $3,355 | $40,266 |
Compare CFP, FA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor (Helena) | $48.40 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $100,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.25% lower than the national median of $108,537.
Financial Advisor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.40/hr = $60,398/year (purchasing power: $63,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,664/year (purchasing power: $105,214).
CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for financial advisors in Helena grew 19.6% from $39.17/hr (2019) to $46.85/hr (2025). At a 3.30% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.99/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 Helena 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 Helena
Hourly pay in Helena can significantly influence financial advisors’ earnings, especially for those who take on part-time roles. A financial advisor working 24 hours a week would potentially earn $49,756 annually, providing a stable income compared to their full-time peers. For per-diem financial advisors, project-based work is often more lucrative, with comprehensive financial plans commanding fees between $3,000 and $15,000, and annual retainer agreements for retirement plan consulting ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Compensation can vary based on the employer; wirehouses typically offer a lower hourly rate compared to independent broker-dealers or fee-only RIAs, which may provide a higher wage sans benefits. Thus, some choose lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, whereas others prioritize earning potential in their negotiations. As the financial advisory industry continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for both new entrants and seasoned professionals navigating their careers in Helena, MT.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 Helena. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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