Financial Advisor Salary in Columbus, MS: $87,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Columbus, MS earns a median $87,467/year (≈ $42.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $102,062 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the 2026 median annual salary for financial advisors is projected at $87,467, reflecting a growing trend towards fee-only financial planning in the area. With an estimated salary range from $50,731 at the lower end to $135,574 at the upper end, financial advisors in Columbus are benefiting from the increasing demand for experienced advisors possessing the CFP credential. This anticipated compensation reflects local estimates derived from state-level BLS data alongside adjustments for regional cost considerations. Given Columbus’s lower cost of living index of 85.7, financial advisor pay in Columbus, MS, may appear less competitive relative to the national median of $108,537, but the city’s unique financial advisory market offers distinct opportunities for career growth and specialization.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,731 | $24.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,515 | $31.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,467 | $42.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,958 | $53.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,574 | $65.18 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,843 (2026 est.). At $87,467, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Columbus median: $87,467/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $93,050 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $108,537 | -19.41% less |
Financial Advisors in Columbus, MS earn a median of $87,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $108,537 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $93,050.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A financial advisor earning $87,467 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,062 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,796
2025 BLS Actual
$84,673
2026 Current Est.
$87,467
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,799 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,354 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $70,796 (2019) to $84,673 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,558 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $50,731 – $64,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,515 – $87,467 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,467 – $111,958 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,958 – $135,574 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Columbus
With only six financial advisors currently employed in Columbus, the local job market remains relatively tight, leaving room for professionals to negotiate favorable terms. The lower cost of living aids in enhancing the purchasing power of financial advisors and can potentially offset the salary differences compared to larger markets. Employers such as Northwestern Mutual and Edward Jones, along with independent RIAs, represent some of the highest-paying opportunities in the region. The disparity in pay often stems from various factors, including assets under management (AUM), fee models, and client bases. Professionals can maximize their financial advisor salary in Columbus by focusing on building a high net worth (HNW) client portfolio, obtaining necessary credentials like the CFP, and considering roles in advisory firms with equitable compensation structures. Understanding the unique dynamics of Columbus's financial advisory landscape can significantly influence earning potential and career trajectory.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 $84,673 for financial advisorsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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