Financial Advisor Salary in Waltham, MA: $127,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Waltham, MA earns a median $127,188/year (≈ $61.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $117,224 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the financial advisor salary is projected to be a robust $127,188 in 2026, showcasing a notable premium compared to the national median of $108,537. This higher compensation reflects the growing emphasis on fiduciary practices and the shift towards fee-only business models. With salaries ranging from $73,770 at the entry-level (P10) to $197,142 at the high-end (P90), Waltham's financial advisors are positioned competitively in a market that rewards credentials like the CFP designation. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments reveal that Waltham is fostering a dynamic environment for financial advisors, appealing to both seasoned professionals and newcomers.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,770 | $35.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,575 | $44.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,188 | $61.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,801 | $78.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,142 | $94.78 |
Median Salary Position
17.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,372 (2026 est.). At $127,188, the local median is 17.18% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Waltham median: $127,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $130,717 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | +17.18% more |
Financial Advisors in Waltham, MA earn a median of $127,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.18% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $130,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,188 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,224 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,946
2025 BLS Actual
$123,125
2026 Current Est.
$127,188
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,946 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,352 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $102,946 (2019) to $123,125 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,439 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $73,770 – $91,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,575 – $127,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,188 – $162,801 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,801 – $197,142 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Waltham
The local job market in Waltham features 11 financial advisors, creating a community that offers ample networking and collaboration opportunities. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that living expenses exceed the national average. This reality impacts purchasing power, making it essential for financial advisors to optimize their pay strategies. Employers such as Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch among wirehouses, along with independent broker-dealers like LPL and fee-only RIAs, typically offer the highest salaries. Factors such as assets under management, fee structures, and the presence of high-net-worth clients significantly affect earnings potential. Maximizing pay in this competitive landscape can be achieved through securing credentials, diversifying client services, and adapting to market trends that favor fiduciary fee models.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
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 $123,125 for financial advisorsin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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