Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Lawrence, KS: $205,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,505/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $227,724 in average-cost America. The 117% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the financial landscape for seasoned professionals in Lawrence, Kansas, presents significant earning potential. With a median annual salary projected at $94,809, experienced financial advisors can aim for higher compensation, especially at the upper tier where top earners can command salaries up to $205,505. This stark contrast highlights a substantial experience premium, illustrating the gap between the median and those at the forefront of the profession. Getting to this level requires not only years of experience but also specialized knowledge in areas such as wealth management and bespoke financial solutions. Given that Lawrence's top earners are still slightly below the national average, reaching such financial heights often demands a strategic focus on high-net-worth clients and advanced financial planning services.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $135,829 and $205,505 per year (2026 est.). This $143,608 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $94,809 sits 12.65% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,809 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,829 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,505 | $368,802 |
In Lawrence, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 116.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $94,809 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $135,829–$205,505 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Kansas 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 Lawrence
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #3 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $205,505).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Lawrence ($205,505) is 9.21% below the Kansas average P90 ($226,359).
2019 BLS Actual
$110,140
2025 BLS Actual
$198,940
2026 Current Est.
$205,505
2019–2027 Growth
+92.7%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $219,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $198,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $212,287 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 80.6% from $110,140 in 2019 to $198,940 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $212,287 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Lawrence
Senior financial advisors in Lawrence, KS, find that specialization is paramount for maximizing their earning potential. Roles focused on high-net-worth private wealth, retirement planning, and estate planning tend to attract the highest compensation. This is particularly vital as compensation models differ by employer type, with wirehouses typically offering commission-based pay structures, whereas independent advisors often favor asset-under-management (AUM) fees. Professional achievements, such as obtaining credentials like the CFP or CFA, can markedly enhance salary prospects in this competitive environment. Additionally, career advancement within this field often aligns with a clear progression: from junior advisor to partner or founder, diversifying pathways into RIA or branching out from traditional broker models. Non-salary compensation elements, such as ownership stakes in firms or advising high-net-worth individuals, further complicate the conversation around senior financial advisor pay in the area, offering avenues for increased overall earnings in a dynamic financial advisory market.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $198,940 for financial advisors in the Lawrence 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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