If you are thinking about becoming a financial advisor or already working in the field and wondering what kind of income is realistic in 2025, here is what you need to know. There is no one number. Your salary depends on your model, your clients, your performance, and your structure. But this guide will walk through everything—from averages to high-performers—so you can see what is possible and what it actually takes to get there.
What is the average financial advisor salary in 2025?
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for financial advisors in the United States is $99,580 per year. But that number alone does not tell the full story.
Some advisors barely crack $40,000 in their early years. Others earn $250,000 or more once they have a book of business, strong referral networks, or a niche that brings in consistent leads.
Salaried vs. commission-based vs. fee-only compensation
There are three primary ways financial advisors get paid, and each model impacts how income flows.
Salaried advisors
Some firms hire advisors as full-time employees with a base salary. This is common at banks, wirehouses, or institutions where you are expected to handle walk-in clients, manage a list, or cross-sell products.
- Typical range: $50,000–$90,000
- Bonus or incentive structure may apply
- Stability is high, growth is moderate
- Less entrepreneurial, more structured
Commission-based advisors
This is the traditional model, where you earn a percentage from the products you sell or assets you manage. It is still common in insurance firms, broker-dealers, and hybrid models.
- Early income is inconsistent
- You eat what you close
- Long-term potential is high if you build a book
- Ethical risk if not managed carefully
Fee-only advisors
Fee-only advisors charge flat rates, retainers, or a percentage of assets under management (AUM). This is the model growing fastest because it is built on trust and transparency.
- Often used by RIAs or independent planners
- More control over how and who you serve
- AUM model brings compounding growth
- Higher income potential but slower ramp
What top-performing advisors make
Top 10% advisors can earn well into $250,000 to $500,000+ per year. A smaller group breaks into seven figures if they own a firm, manage a large team, or work exclusively with high-net-worth clients.
These advisors often:
- Specialize in a clear niche (physicians, business owners, athletes)
- Get strong inbound referrals
- Offer premium planning or investment services
- Charge fees that reflect real value—not just products
It is not about luck. It is about positioning, systems, and knowing how to close.
What new advisors should expect
If you are in your first three years, here is the honest picture:
- Year 1: $30,000–$60,000 (some higher if salaried, most lower if solo)
- Year 2: $45,000–$80,000
- Year 3: $60,000–$100,000+
It takes time to build trust, relationships, and referrals. But the advisors who make it through the early grind often hit their stride in years 4 to 6 and begin to see consistent income.
What affects your earning potential
Several factors influence how much you can actually make:
- Your niche – Advisors who target specific audiences (like business owners, doctors, or tech employees) often earn more
- Your location – Advisors in higher-cost areas often charge more, but they also face more competition
- Your close rate – The ability to guide prospects through a clear and confident process is what builds a book
- Your fee structure – Retainers, AUM, and flat fees scale differently depending on your service model
- Your systems – Advisors with automated lead generation and content that attracts qualified clients grow faster than those relying on cold outreach
Should you focus on salary or equity?
If you are building your own firm, salary is just one piece of the puzzle. Many independent advisors invest in their brand, team, and systems early. They may take home less upfront—but build an asset they can one day sell.
That long-term value depends on your systems, your recurring revenue, and how well the business runs without you. If you are serious about building equity, think beyond just closing clients. Think about building a practice that could run—and sell—on its own.
FAQs About Financial Advisor Salary
How much does a new financial advisor make?
Most new advisors earn between $30,000 and $60,000 in their first year. Income varies depending on whether the role is salaried, commission-based, or fee-only. The early years often require a lot of business development before earnings stabilize.
Do financial advisors make good money?
Yes, experienced financial advisors can earn well above six figures. Top performers with strong client bases or niche strategies often make $250,000 or more, and firm owners can scale even higher with recurring revenue and equity.
Can you make 6 figures as a financial advisor?
Absolutely. Many advisors cross the $100,000+ mark by their third to fifth year—especially those with consistent lead flow, a defined niche, and a strong referral network.
Final thoughts
There is no single financial advisor salary. Some barely scrape by. Some quietly earn more than doctors. The difference is not just in skill—it is in positioning, systems, and focus.
If you want to grow your income, stop chasing cold leads. Start building a message that brings in the right clients. Advisors who stand out close faster, charge more, and work with people who respect the process.
If you want help crafting that message or turning your niche into a real strategy, reach out at Inbound Marketer. We help advisors stop sounding like everyone else and start earning like they should.