Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Des Moines, WA: $159,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $159,643/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $148,643 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, financial advisors in Des Moines, WA, who have achieved senior status can anticipate substantial compensation opportunities, with the top earners pulling in as much as $159,643. For those in the 75th percentile, salaries hover around $131,834. Notably, the median annual salary stands at $102,995, reflecting a significant experience premium for those with over seven years in the field. This income gap emphasizes the value of advanced knowledge and expertise that is crucial to ascend to the highest echelons of pay within this market. Achieving top-tier pay in Des Moines not only requires a robust track record but also a strategic emphasis on specializations that cater to affluent clients and complex financial needs.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $131,834 and $159,643 per year (2026 est.). This $99,906 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $102,995 sits 5.11% below the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $102,995 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,834 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $159,643 | $368,802 |
In Des Moines, 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 Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $102,995 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $131,834–$159,643 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Washington 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 Des Moines
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #23 of 50 Washington cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $159,643).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Des Moines ($159,643) is 59.29% below the Washington average P90 ($392,169).
2024 BLS Actual
$155,848
2025 BLS Actual
$154,543
2026 Current Est.
$159,643
2024–2027 Growth
+5.8%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Des Moines (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $155,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,543 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,911 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow -0.8% from $155,848 in 2024 to $154,543 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 $164,911 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Several factors contribute to the variation in senior financial advisor pay across Des Moines, particularly through the lens of specialization. Notable areas such as high-net-worth private wealth management, estate planning, and retirement advising command premiums due to their intricate nature and client demands. In addition, the type of employer can significantly influence earnings; advisors at wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo Advisors typically benefit from established structures and greater resources, while independent brokers and RIAs might experience enhanced compensation through AUM-based fee models. Career progression often leads advisors from junior roles to partnership or RIA founder positions, where ownership stakes and client concentration elevate potential income. Furthermore, advanced designations such as CFP or CFA align advisors with lucrative client bases and improve their overall marketability, thereby driving up compensation levels in an industry that leans increasingly toward fee-only fiduciary models versus traditional commission structures.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $154,543 for financial advisors in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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