Financial Advisor Salary in Independence, KY: $74,279 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Independence, KY earns a median $74,279/year (≈ $35.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $83,179 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected financial advisor salaries in Independence, Kentucky, indicate a median annual compensation of $74,279 for 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $108,537. This compensation structure reflects the ongoing tension between wirehouse firms and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), where fee-based models for RIAs, often involving a 1% assets under management (AUM) charge, contrast with commission-based earnings typical at wirehouses. The salary range for financial advisors in Independence extends from $43,081 at the 10th percentile to as high as $115,132 at the 90th percentile, based on local estimates from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost considerations. The job market in Independence remains competitive, shaped by broader industry trends, including the growing preference for fiduciary models and the increasing shift towards independent advisory roles.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,081 | $20.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,480 | $25.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,279 | $35.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,077 | $45.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,132 | $55.35 |
Median Salary Position
31.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,051 (2026 est.). At $74,279, the local median is 31.56% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Independence median: $74,279/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $74,878 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -31.56% less |
Financial Advisors in Independence, KY earn a median of $74,279 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.56% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $74,878.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A financial advisor earning $74,279 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,179 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,121
2025 BLS Actual
$71,906
2026 Current Est.
$74,279
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,121 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,281 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,906 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,279 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,730 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $60,121 (2019) to $71,906 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,730 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,609 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $43,081 – $53,480 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,480 – $74,279 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,279 – $95,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,077 – $115,132 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Independence
In terms of local employment conditions, currently, there are only five financial advisors working in Independence, indicative of a smaller market with specific opportunities. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than national averages, residents may experience greater purchasing power in their day-to-day lives. Among local employers, wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch traditionally offer higher compensation, but RIAs are gaining ground. Factors influencing salary variations include advisor specialization, client base, industry credentials like CFP or CFA, and the differing fee structures between AUM models and commission systems. To maximize compensation in Independence, financial advisors should consider building a robust AUM portfolio, focusing on high net-worth individuals, and pursuing advanced certifications that can lead to premium pay opportunities.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
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 $71,906 for financial advisorsin the Independence 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 Independence 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