Business & Finance Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median financial advisor salary in Columbia, MD is $117,330 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$117,330
vs State Avg
+$7,631
vs National
+$21,940
Cost of Living
118%

Financial Advisor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median financial advisor salary of $117,330, which is $7,631 above the Maryland state average of $109,699. Compared to the national median of $95,390, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $117,330 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,432. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial advisors in Columbia spans from $54,612 at the 10th percentile to $293,970 at the 90th percentile — a $239,358 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,040, while senior financial advisors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $221,400. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $59,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $221,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,040
+$11,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,850
+$21,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$221,400
+$41,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $54,612
25th Percentile $76,752
Median (50th) $117,330
75th Percentile $183,270
90th Percentile $293,970

Financial Advisor Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$121,145
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$114,468
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$107,791
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$104,929
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Financial Advisor in Columbia

Education

Most financial advisor positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Advisor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open financial advisor positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in Columbia, Maryland is $117,330 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $54,612 (10th percentile) to $293,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,330, a financial advisor in Columbia earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for financial advisor pay? ▼
Columbia's median financial advisor salary of $117,330 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $109,699. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a financial advisor salary of $117,330 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial advisor in Columbia? ▼
Most financial advisor positions in Columbia 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.