Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Memphis, TN: $618,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $618,106/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $670,550 in average-cost America. The 498% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
With the financial advisory landscape in Memphis, TN evolving, senior professionals are poised to capitalize on lucrative income potential. The 2026 projected median annual salary for seasoned financial advisors is set at $103,424, but those who excel and build strong client relationships can achieve significantly higher earnings. Top earners in this market, categorized at the 90th percentile, can expect to take home an impressive $618,106 annually, illustrating a substantial income gap between those at the median level and those reaching the pinnacle of financial advisory success. This remarkable earning potential reflects not only the experience premium associated with over seven years in the field but also the strategic moves and decision-making required to attract and retain high-net-worth clients effectively in Memphis.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $224,554 and $618,106 per year (2026 est.). This $571,817 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $103,424 sits 4.71% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,424 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,554 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $618,106 | $368,802 |
In Memphis, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 497.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $103,424 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $224,554–$618,106 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis metro area, which is a large CFP, FA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors in Memphis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Financial Advisors in Tennessee 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 Memphis
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMemphis ranks #1 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $618,106).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Memphis ($618,106) is 43.72% above the Tennessee average P90 ($430,075).
2019 BLS Actual
$195,580
2025 BLS Actual
$598,360
2026 Current Est.
$618,106
2019–2027 Growth
+226.5%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $195,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $598,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $618,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $638,503 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 205.9% from $195,580 in 2019 to $598,360 in 2025, based on 4 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $638,503 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 4-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Memphis
Specializations stand out as significant determinants of senior financial advisor pay in TN, with fields such as high-net-worth private wealth management, estate planning, and business succession negotiation drawing premium compensation. The types of firms advisors choose to work with also play a crucial role in their financial trajectory. Advisors within wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or UBS often earn differently than those in independent broker-dealers or fee-only Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). The latter typically utilize an AUM-based fee model, leading to diversified revenue streams aligned with clients' asset growth. For advancement, pathways from junior advisor roles to partnership positions are commonly structured, combining the potential for high income with leadership opportunities. Enhanced credentials like a CFP or CFA contribute significantly to higher salaries and are highly regarded within the local market. Alongside these factors, non-salary compensation components such as client concentration and equity stakes within RIAs increasingly shape total earnings for top performers in Memphis's financial services sector.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Memphis?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Memphis?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Memphis?
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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 $598,360 for financial advisors in the Memphis 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, 4-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