Financial Advisor Salary in Smyrna, DE: $102,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Smyrna, DE earns a median $102,261/year (≈ $49.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $100,552 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Smyrna, Delaware, the financial advisor salary landscape projects a median annual compensation of $102,261 for 2026, reflecting both the growing demand for fiduciary services and the increasing premium attached to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential. While salaries span a range from $59,312 at the lower end to $158,505 for the top earners, these figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations. As financial advisors increasingly gravitate towards fee-only models in response to consumer preferences, Smyrna’s market reflects a nuanced environment where experienced professionals can command above-average salaries, especially those possessing specialized qualifications and a strong client base.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,312 | $28.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,628 | $35.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,261 | $49.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,893 | $62.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,505 | $76.20 |
Median Salary Position
5.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,193 (2026 est.). At $102,261, the local median is 5.78% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $102,261/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $110,433 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -5.78% less |
Financial Advisors in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $102,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $110,433.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,261 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,552 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,770
2025 BLS Actual
$98,994
2026 Current Est.
$102,261
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,524 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,635 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $82,770 (2019) to $98,994 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,635 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,865 (27.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $59,312 – $73,628 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,628 – $102,261 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,261 – $130,893 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,893 – $158,505 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Smyrna
Evaluating the local job market, Smyrna currently employs five financial advisors, highlighting a relatively tight competitive environment among professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 101.7, advisors in Smyrna may face higher expenditures that can impact their effective take-home pay, underscoring the need for strategic career advancements. Employers offering competitive returns include prominent wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and independent broker-dealers such as Raymond James. The spread in financial advisor pay in Smyrna is driven by various factors, including assets under management (AUM), fee structures, and client demographics, where those catering to high-net-worth clients typically enjoy higher salaries. For advisors in this region, pursuing certifications such as CFP or CFA can enhance earning potential, and aligning with the growing preference for fee-only services can also provide a competitive edge in attracting clients.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
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 $98,994 for financial advisorsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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