Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Williston, ND: $147,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $147,687/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $160,529 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 2026, a senior financial advisor in Williston, ND, has the potential to earn an impressive salary, with top-tier pay reaching up to $147,687 at the 90th percentile. This figure significantly underscores the experience premium in this market, as the median salary for experienced financial advisors sits at $95,282. For those achieving the 75th percentile, compensation rises to $121,961, creating a noticeable gap that emphasizes the potential rewards that come with advanced expertise and a robust client base. To reach these remarkable pay levels, financial advisors in Williston need to develop specialized skills, develop relationships with high-net-worth clients, and navigate complex financial planning scenarios, demonstrating a depth of knowledge that distinguishes the top performers from the rest.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $121,961 and $147,687 per year (2026 est.). This $92,424 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $95,282 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,282 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,961 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $147,687 | $368,802 |
In Williston, 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 Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $95,282 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $121,961–$147,687 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston 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 Williston 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 Dakota 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 Williston
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #4 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $147,687).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Williston ($147,687) is 5.57% above the North Dakota average P90 ($139,892).
2024 BLS Actual
$94,809
2025 BLS Actual
$142,969
2026 Current Est.
$147,687
2024–2027 Growth
+60.9%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Williston (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $94,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,561 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 50.8% from $94,809 in 2024 to $142,969 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 $152,561 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Compensation for senior financial advisors in Williston can vary greatly depending on specialization and employer type. High-demand areas, such as private wealth management for high-net-worth individuals, estate planning, and retirement advising, command premium pay and can significantly influence earnings. Additionally, those associated with large wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch might have access to broader resources and networks, while independent firms or registered investment advisors (RIAs) often utilize a fee-based compensation model, typically charging around 1% AUM. Career advancement can take various trajectories, from junior advisor roles to lead advisor positions and ultimately partnership or ownership in an RIA. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, can further elevate salary potential, making candidates more attractive to employers while offering expertise that aligns with the fiduciary responsibilities inherent in RIA practices. Non-salary compensation, including equity stakes at independent firms and performance bonuses tied to client asset growth, adds further layers to financial advisor pay in Williston, ND.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Williston?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Williston?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Williston?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Williston?
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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 $142,969 for financial advisors in the Williston 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 Williston 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