Business & Finance South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Financial Advisor Salary in South Carolina

The median financial advisor salary in South Carolina is $84,897 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,390.

Median Salary
$84,897
vs National
$-10,493
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Financial Advisor Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for financial advisor compensation. Financial Advisor salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,897 per year, financial advisors in South Carolina earn $10,493 less than the national median of $95,390.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $84,897 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: financial advisors at the 10th percentile earn $39,516, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $212,710 — a $173,194 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $100,160.

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 South Carolina and beyond.

Financial Advisor Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $42,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,550
$-10,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,200
$-19,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $39,516
25th Percentile $55,536
Median (50th) $84,897
75th Percentile $132,610
90th Percentile $212,710

Financial Advisor Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for financial advisors in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Advisor in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Financial Advisor make in South Carolina? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in South Carolina is $84,897 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $39,516 (10th percentile) to $212,710 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,897, a financial advisor in South Carolina earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for financial advisors? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for financial advisor pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level financial advisors earn $42,720, while senior professionals earn $160,200.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for financial advisor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial advisors is Hawaii at $162,163. South Carolina's median of $84,897 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($85,851) and Iowa ($84,897).
What is the entry-level financial advisor salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level financial advisor in South Carolina earns approximately $42,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $160,200.
What city in South Carolina pays financial advisors the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for financial advisors, with a median salary of $100,160. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.