Financial Advisor Salary in Sunnyvale, CA: $144,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Sunnyvale, CA earns a median $144,654/year (≈ $69.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Sunnyvale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $127,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 25.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, financial advisors in Sunnyvale, California, can expect a median salary of $144,654, significantly higher than the national median of $108,537, reflecting the competitive nature of the local market. The salary range reveals considerable variability, with entry-level positions starting at around $83,899 and top earners making upwards of $224,214. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, which take into account local economic conditions. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, those pursuing independence from wirehouses in favor of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) may observe a beneficial shift in long-term compensation. This transformative choice is becoming increasingly attractive for advisors looking to optimize their financial advisor salary in Sunnyvale.
About the Sunnyvale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,899 | $40.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,151 | $50.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,654 | $69.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,157 | $89.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,214 | $107.79 |
Median Salary Position
33.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunnyvale
In Sunnyvale, CA, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,315 (2026 est.). At $144,654, the local median is 33.28% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunnyvale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunnyvale Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Sunnyvale median: $144,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunnyvale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $115,262 | +25.50% more |
| National Average | $108,537 | +33.28% more |
Financial Advisors in Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $144,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.28% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 25.50% above the California state average of $115,262.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunnyvale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunnyvale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,654 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,899 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,083
2025 BLS Actual
$140,033
2026 Current Est.
$144,654
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,055 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,716 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,678 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,428 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunnyvale metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $117,083 (2019) to $140,033 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,428 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,345 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunnyvale 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $83,899 – $104,151 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,151 – $144,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,654 – $185,157 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,157 – $224,214 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Sunnyvale
The job market for financial advisory professionals in Sunnyvale showcases a total of 26 advisors currently operating in the area, presenting ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. With a cost of living index of 113.1, the financial advisor pay in Sunnyvale, CA, is reflective of the region’s economic backdrop, which inevitably influences take-home purchasing power. Prominent employers such as Morgan Stanley and UBS tend to offer higher salaries, particularly for advisors with significant assets under management (AUM) or those holding advanced credentials like the CFP or CFA. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to various factors, including AUM book size and commission versus fee-based models. Advisors aiming to maximize their income should focus on building a strong clientele, enhancing their qualifications, and considering independent paths, which can offer more lucrative opportunities compared to traditional wirehouse environments.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $140,033 for financial advisorsin the Sunnyvale metropolitan area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunnyvale 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