Business & Finance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Financial Advisor Salary in San Francisco, California

The median financial advisor salary in San Francisco, CA is $173,610 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$173,610
vs State Avg
+$41,972
vs National
+$78,220
Cost of Living
182%

Financial Advisor Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median financial advisor salary of $173,610, which is $41,972 above the California state average of $131,638. Compared to the national median of $95,390, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $173,610 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,390. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial advisors in San Francisco spans from $80,808 at the 10th percentile to $434,980 at the 90th percentile — a $354,172 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,360, while senior financial advisors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $327,600. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Advisor Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $327,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,360
+$39,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,900
+$77,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$327,600
+$147,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $80,808
25th Percentile $113,568
Median (50th) $173,610
75th Percentile $271,180
90th Percentile $434,980

Financial Advisor Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Financial Advisor in San Francisco

Education

Most financial advisor positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Advisor Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open financial advisor positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Financial Advisor make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in San Francisco, California is $173,610 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $80,808 (10th percentile) to $434,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $173,610, a financial advisor in San Francisco earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for financial advisor pay? ▼
San Francisco's median financial advisor salary of $173,610 is 31.9% above the California state average of $131,638. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a financial advisor salary of $173,610 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial advisor in San Francisco? ▼
Most financial advisor positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Investment Planning, Portfolio Management, Tax Planning, Client Relations. The job market is projected to grow 13% nationally over the next decade.