Business & Finance Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Financial Advisor Salary in Kentucky

The median financial advisor salary in Kentucky is $82,989 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $95,390.

Median Salary
$82,989
vs National
$-12,401
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Financial Advisor Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for financial advisor compensation. Financial Advisor salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $82,989 per year, financial advisors in Kentucky earn $12,401 less than the national median of $95,390.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $82,989 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: financial advisors at the 10th percentile earn $38,628, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $207,930 — a $169,302 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $88,713.

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Kentucky and beyond.

Financial Advisor Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $41,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,600 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,650
$-12,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,600
$-23,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $38,628
25th Percentile $54,288
Median (50th) $82,989
75th Percentile $129,630
90th Percentile $207,930

Financial Advisor Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for financial advisors in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Advisor in Kentucky

Education

Most financial advisor positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Kentucky? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in Kentucky is $82,989 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $38,628 (10th percentile) to $207,930 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,989, a financial advisor in Kentucky earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for financial advisors? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for financial advisor pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level financial advisors earn $41,760, while senior professionals earn $156,600.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for financial advisor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial advisors is Hawaii at $162,163. Kentucky's median of $82,989 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($82,989) and Kansas ($82,989).
What is the entry-level financial advisor salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level financial advisor in Kentucky earns approximately $41,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,600.
What city in Kentucky pays financial advisors the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for financial advisors, with a median salary of $88,713. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.