How to become personal financial advisorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$105,070
25th–75th pct. $72,440–$176,790
Top pay (est.)
$464,100
Top 10% $357,020
Pay in 5 years
$115,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$127,000est.
$109,200–$147,400
Outlook score
40/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
82%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.4%
17K openings / yr
How to become personal financial advisors
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Personal Financial Advisors
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Analyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Important abilities
Deductive ReasoningOral ExpressionNear VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as personal financial advisors
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.