Financial Advisor Salary in Bristol, CT: $126,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Bristol, CT earns a median $126,629/year (≈ $60.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $117,358 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bristol, Connecticut, the financial advisor salary in 2026 is projected to be a robust $126,629, representing a notable premium of 16.67% when compared to the national median of $108,537. This local salary range is quite expansive, from $73,445 at the lower spectrum (P10) to $196,275 at the higher end (P90). These figures are built on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Recent growth trends point toward the increasing relevance of CFP credentials and fee-only advisory models, a shift that is reshaping how financial advisory roles are compensated in Bristol's market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,445 | $35.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,173 | $43.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,629 | $60.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,086 | $77.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,275 | $94.36 |
Median Salary Position
16.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,830 (2026 est.). At $126,629, the local median is 16.67% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Bristol median: $126,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $127,650 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | +16.67% more |
Financial Advisors in Bristol, CT earn a median of $126,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.67% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $127,650.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,629 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,358 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,494
2025 BLS Actual
$122,584
2026 Current Est.
$126,629
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $102,494 (2019) to $122,584 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,314 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $73,445 – $91,173 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,173 – $126,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,629 – $162,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,086 – $196,275 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Bristol
Bristol employs 13 financial advisors, which highlights a relatively concentrated job market in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 107.9, advisors may find that their purchasing power is somewhat higher than the national average. Firms that tend to pay well in the area include both wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, as well as independent broker-dealers and RIAs, particularly those emphasizing a fiduciary fee-only model. The disparity in pay often hinges on factors such as the advisor's book size, AUM, client demographics, and whether they hold prestigious credentials like the CFP or CFA. Those looking to maximize their financial advisor pay in Bristol, CT, should consider aligning with high-net-worth clients, developing a substantial AUM base, and potentially transitioning from commission-based structures to fee-only arrangements. Additionally, joining a growing independent RIA might be a strategic route, providing not just competitive compensation but also greater career autonomy.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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 $122,584 for financial advisorsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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