Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $167,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Winston-Salem, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,666/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Winston-Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $179,130 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
In Winston-Salem, NC, the allure of high earning potential for experienced financial advisors is evident, particularly for those at the top of their game. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $108,172, experienced professionals have the opportunity to reach remarkable compensation levels, with top earners (at the 90th percentile) potentially making $167,666. This notable figure reflects a substantial gap compared to the median, highlighting the significant experience premium that comes with over seven years in the field. Achieving this level of salary often requires not only extensive experience but also the ability to cultivate high-net-worth clientele and expertise in complex financial areas, such as estate planning and business succession.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Winston-Salem earn between $138,459 and $167,666 per year (2026 est.). This $104,927 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winston-Salem median of $108,172 sits 0.34% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Winston-Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $108,172 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,459 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,666 | $368,802 |
In Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $108,172 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winston-Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Winston-Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $138,459–$167,666 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinston-Salem ranks #14 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $167,666).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Winston-Salem ($167,666) is 45.84% below the North Carolina average P90 ($309,557).
2024 BLS Actual
$133,601
2025 BLS Actual
$162,310
2026 Current Est.
$167,666
2024–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Winston-Salem (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $133,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,199 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Winston-Salem saw their compensation grow 21.5% from $133,601 in 2024 to $162,310 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 $173,199 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Specializations can significantly impact senior financial advisor pay in NC, especially in Winston-Salem, where roles advising on high-net-worth private wealth and complex retirement strategies tend to command premium compensation. Senior advisors can find varying pay structures depending on their employer type—leading firms such as Morgan Stanley or independent broker-dealers like Raymond James offer different incentives, with wirehouses typically compensating through commission models while fee-only RIAs focus on assets under management. As advisors progress through their careers, paths toward leadership and advanced roles become realistic, including the transition from lead advisor to partner or from wirehouse rookie to branch manager. Advanced credentials, such as CFP and CFA, are not just advantageous; they enhance marketability and influence overall pay. Additionally, non-salary compensation drivers, including AUM book size and equity partnerships at RIAs, play vital roles in shaping the financial rewards for senior professionals in this market.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Winston-Salem in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Winston-Salem?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Winston-Salem?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Winston-Salem?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Winston-Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $162,310 for financial advisors in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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