Personal Financial Advisor Salary in California
Based on 32K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$130,330
$62.66/hr
vs National Average
$99,081
+31.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$68K – $394K
32K employed in California
Personal Financial Advisors in California earn a median salary of $130,330 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 32 percent. With approximately 32,200 workers employed in this field across the state, California offers lucrative opportunities for financial professionals. The salary range spans from $67,690 to $393,860 annually, reflecting considerable variation within the profession.
Several factors influence Personal Financial Advisor salary in California, including experience level, professional certifications, and specialization areas. Advisors working with high-net-worth clients or managing larger asset bases typically command higher compensation. Additionally, geographic location within California, firm size, and the ability to build a strong client base all play significant roles in determining individual earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Personal Financial Advisor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $67,690 |
| 25th percentile | $83,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,330 |
| 75th percentile | $195,420 |
| 90th percentile | $393,860 |
Top-Paying Industries for Personal Financial Advisor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Personal Financial Advisors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Personal Financial Advisors in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $137,810 | — |
| Finance and Insurance | $106,810 | 248K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $99,320 | 9K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $95,570 | 5K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,940 | 310 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Personal Financial Advisor in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,270 |
| 2023 | $103,330 |
| 2024 | $128,650 |
| 2025 | $130,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,032 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,270 | $87,555 |
| 2023 | $103,330 | $92,738 |
| 2024 | $128,650 | $95,571 |
| 2025 | $130,330 | $99,081 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,032 | $100,375 |
Personal Financial Advisor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $393,860 |
Personal Financial Advisor Salary in Other States
Related Personal Financial Advisor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Personal Financial Advisor ($130,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Personal Financial Advisor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +38.7% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +0.1% | $62.75/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | -8.4% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | -16.3% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -18.7% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -23.6% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -24.9% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -25.5% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -25.6% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -37.3% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -38.0% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -38.8% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do personal financial advisors make in California?
- Personal financial advisors in California earn a median salary of $130,330 per year, or $63 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 31.5% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for financial advisors in California?
- The salary range for personal financial advisors in California spans from $67,690 at the lower end to $393,860 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, credentials, and client base size.
Is California's financial advisor salary higher than the national average?
- Yes, California's median salary of $130,330 for personal financial advisors is 31.5% higher than the national average, making it one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
How many personal financial advisors work in California?
- There are approximately 32,200 personal financial advisors employed in California, representing a substantial job market in the financial advisory industry.