Financial Advisor Salary in Laurel, MD: $112,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Laurel, MD earns a median $112,693/year (≈ $54.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $103,104 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a financial advisor in Laurel, Maryland, can anticipate a median annual salary of $112,693, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $108,537. The salary spectrum varies significantly, ranging from $65,362 at the 10th percentile to $174,674 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a healthy market for financial advisory roles. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Given that the financial advisory field is undergoing transformative shifts, particularly with the rise of independent practices, Laurel’s job market is ideally suited for those seeking to capitalize on the growing trend of advisory independence, which often enhances long-term compensation prospects.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,362 | $31.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,139 | $39.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,693 | $54.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,247 | $69.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,674 | $83.98 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,312 (2026 est.). At $112,693, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Laurel median: $112,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $118,624 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | +3.83% more |
Financial Advisors in Laurel, MD earn a median of $112,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $118,624.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,693 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,104 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,214
2025 BLS Actual
$109,093
2026 Current Est.
$112,693
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,214 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,393 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,786 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,412 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $91,214 (2019) to $109,093 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,412 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,198 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $65,362 – $81,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,139 – $112,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,693 – $144,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,247 – $174,674 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Laurel
An analysis of the local job market reveals that only six financial advisors are currently employed in Laurel, MD, indicating tight competition for positions. The cost of living in the area, reflected by a cost of living index of 109.3, adds complexity to the financial advisor pay. High compensation can often be found among wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, as well as independent broker-dealers such as LPL and Raymond James, who can offer substantial transition packages for advisors breaking away from traditional firms. The pay disparity in this market largely stems from factors like assets under management (AUM) book size and compensation models. Advisors at fee-only fiduciary RIAs might see better take-home pay compared to those in commission-based roles due to their focus on attracting high-net-worth clients and emphasizing ability to deliver tailored investment advice. For financial advisors in Laurel looking to optimize their salaries, obtaining CFP or CFA credentials can strengthen their market position, as these are highly regarded within the industry and could directly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 $109,093 for financial advisorsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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