Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Burbank, CA: $176,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,452/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $156,014 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior financial advisors in Burbank, CA, have a significant salary potential, with the top earners anticipating a remarkable $176,452 in 2026. This amount highlights the experience premium associated with seasoned professionals, contrasting with the median annual salary of $113,840 for this role. Notably, Burbank's top financial advisor salary exceeds the national top earners, reflecting the city's attractive market for financial services. Achieving such high levels of compensation typically requires over seven years of experience combined with advanced credentials like the CFP, specialized expertise, and a substantial portfolio of high-net-worth clients. Senior advisors must also master the nuances of their firms' compensation structures, whether in commission-based or fee-only models, to optimize their earnings.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $145,715 and $176,452 per year (2026 est.). This $110,425 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $113,840 sits 4.89% above the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $113,840 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,715 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,452 | $368,802 |
In Burbank, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $113,840 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $145,715–$176,452 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Financial Advisors in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Financial Advisor Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #117 of 157 California cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $176,452).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Burbank ($176,452) is 48.84% below the California average P90 ($344,883).
2024 BLS Actual
$200,363
2025 BLS Actual
$170,815
2026 Current Est.
$176,452
2024–2027 Growth
+-9.0%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Burbank (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $200,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,275 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow -14.7% from $200,363 in 2024 to $170,815 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $182,275 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Burbank
Compensation for top-tier financial advisors in Burbank showcases variations influenced by specialization and employment type. Areas such as high-net-worth private wealth management, estate planning, and divorce financial planning command premium salaries, as clients in these niches value personalized, expert guidance. Advisor earnings also differ significantly depending on whether they operate in wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch, independent broker-dealers, or Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). Those affiliated with wirehouses may benefit from a commission structure, while RIAs typically earn compensation through an AUM-based model, often charging around 1% of assets under management. For senior professionals aiming for leadership roles, progression can occur from junior advisor to partner or founder of an RIA, further enhancing their earnings potential. Additional accomplishments, such as acquiring a CFP or CFA designation, correlate with higher pay—a critical factor in an industry where qualifications and established client relationships underpin senior financial advisor pay in CA.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Burbank?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Burbank?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $170,815 for financial advisors in the Burbank metro area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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