Financial Advisor Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $88,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $88,550/year (≈ $42.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $84,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for a financial advisor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is projected to reach a median of $88,550, which falls significantly below the national median of $108,537. With a pay range extending from $51,359 at the 10th percentile to $137,253 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local economic conditions shaped by a unique blend of wirehouse and RIA models. In this market, advisors often align their compensation with the assets under management (AUM) they oversee, with commission-based structures prevalent at wirehouses and the fee-only model more common among independent registered investment advisors. The local market is characterized by a small number of employed financial advisors—only four in total—which contributes to a competitive atmosphere despite the overall lower pay scale compared to national averages.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,359 | $24.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,620 | $31.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,550 | $42.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,344 | $54.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,253 | $65.99 |
Median Salary Position
18.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,894 (2026 est.). At $88,550, the local median is 18.41% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $88,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $93,902 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -18.41% less |
Financial Advisors in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $88,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.41% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $93,902.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,550 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,333 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,672
2025 BLS Actual
$85,721
2026 Current Est.
$88,550
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,721 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,472 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $71,672 (2019) to $85,721 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,472 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,800 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $51,359 – $65,620 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,620 – $88,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,550 – $113,344 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,344 – $137,253 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Steamboat Springs
The job market for financial advisors in Steamboat Springs CO presents a nuanced scenario, especially given the 105 cost-of-living index, which suggests that take-home pay is under increased pressure. Higher salaries in the area typically come from wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch, whereas independent firms can also offer lucrative opportunities, particularly in AUM-based compensation strategies. The disparity in earnings can largely be driven by factors like client concentration, credentialing such as CFP or CFA, and the fee structure that advisors opt for. Those in high-net-worth segments may find their earning potential heightened, particularly if they manage a robust book of business. To optimize pay as a financial advisor in Steamboat Springs, candidates should consider pursuing advanced certifications and building a niche client base that allows for a substantial AUM, while being mindful of the local economic dynamics influencing salary expectations.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
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 $85,721 for financial advisorsin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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