Financial Advisor Salary in Charleston, WV: $83,943 (2026)

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

Charleston offers a median financial advisor salary of $83,943, which is $3,815 above the West Virginia state average of $80,128. Compared to the national median of $95,390, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $83,943 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for financial advisors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial advisors in Charleston spans from $39,072 at the 10th percentile to $210,320 at the 90th percentile — a $171,248 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior financial advisors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,400. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Financial Advisor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,240

$-5,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$158,400

$-21,600 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$39,072	$37,296	$44,400
25th Percentile	$54,912	$52,416	$62,400
Median (50th)	$83,943	$80,128	$95,390
75th Percentile	$131,120	$125,160	$149,000
90th Percentile	$210,320	$200,760	$239,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$39,072

25th Percentile

$54,912

Median (50th)

$83,943

75th Percentile

$131,120

90th Percentile

$210,320

How to Become a Financial Advisor in Charleston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in Charleston

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median financial advisor salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $83,943 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $39,072 (10th percentile) to $210,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,943, a financial advisor in Charleston earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for financial advisor pay? ▼

Charleston's median financial advisor salary of $83,943 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $80,128. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a financial advisor salary of $83,943 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a financial advisor in Charleston? ▼

Most financial advisor positions in Charleston 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.

Financial Advisor Salary in Charleston, West Virginia