Business & Finance Washington (WA) Rank #9 of 50

Financial Advisor Salary in Washington

The median financial advisor salary in Washington is $109,698 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $95,390.

Median Salary
$109,698
vs National
+$14,308
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Financial Advisor Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #9 out of 50 states for financial advisor compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for financial advisors seeking high pay. At $109,698 per year, financial advisors in Washington earn $14,308 more than the national median of $95,390.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $109,698 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $95,390.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: financial advisors at the 10th percentile earn $51,060, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $274,850 — a $223,790 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $144,993.

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 Washington and beyond.

Financial Advisor Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $55,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,250
+$14,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,000
+$27,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $51,060
25th Percentile $71,760
Median (50th) $109,698
75th Percentile $171,350
90th Percentile $274,850

Financial Advisor Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for financial advisors in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Advisor in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in Washington

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Washington? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in Washington is $109,698 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $51,060 (10th percentile) to $274,850 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,698, a financial advisor in Washington earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for financial advisors? ▼
Washington ranks #9 out of 50 states for financial advisor pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level financial advisors earn $55,200, while senior professionals earn $207,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for financial advisor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial advisors is Hawaii at $162,163. Washington's median of $109,698 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($114,468) and Maryland ($109,699).
What is the entry-level financial advisor salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level financial advisor in Washington earns approximately $55,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $109,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $207,000.
What city in Washington pays financial advisors the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for financial advisors, with a median salary of $144,993. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.