Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
Personal Financial Advisors
SOC: 13-2052 O*NET: 13-2052.00
Median Salary
$105,070
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
17.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
What does a Personal Financial Advisors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$50,190
10th percentile
Early Career
$72,440
25th percentile
Median
$105,070
50th percentile
Experienced
$176,790
75th percentile
Top Earners
$357,020
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$50,190
25th
$72,440
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$105,070
Mean: $156,670
75th
$176,790
90th
$357,020
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $306,830 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $72,440 and $176,790
- •Salary spread is 99.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 266,800 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:299,400
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance93.1%
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities72%
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities17.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.4%
Annual Openings:17,100
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)299,400
Current
2035 (Projected)303,500
+1.4%
+4,100
Employment Change
+1.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Personal Financial Advisors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
32,200 jobs$130,3301.03x
New York
21,550 jobs$166,4001.30x
Florida
21,490 jobs$100,9701.26x
Texas
18,200 jobs$99,1600.75x
North Carolina
12,340 jobs$96,8801.46x
Pennsylvania
12,200 jobs$105,2001.17x
Illinois
9,760 jobs$120,1300.93x
New Jersey
9,300 jobs$158,5701.27x
Ohio
7,680 jobs$90,9900.81x
Georgia
6,830 jobs$101,4500.81x
Colorado
6,730 jobs$89,2801.36x
Michigan
6,570 jobs$77,9300.87x
Arizona
6,430 jobs$96,9501.16x
Virginia
6,340 jobs$102,6400.90x
Washington
5,790 jobs$114,0500.95x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Speech Clarity
100%
#4
Reading Comprehension
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
Speaking
86%
#7
Economics and Accounting
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Writing
80%
#10
Critical Thinking
74%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Speech Clarity
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Economics and Accounting
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Economics and Accounting
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Physician Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Child, Family, and School Social Workers82%
5 shared skills
Chiropractors82%
5 shared skills
Dietitians and Nutritionists82%
5 shared skills
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs82%
5 shared skills
Emergency Medicine Physicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Economics and Accounting
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Mathematics
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Economics and Accounting
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Economics and Accounting
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Personal Financial Advisors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Salesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSwift
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Swift
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)General Responsibilities (7)
1
Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Prepare or interpret for clients information, such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Guide clients in the gathering of information, such as bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plans, or wills.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Meet with clients' other advisors, such as attorneys, accountants, trust officers, or investment bankers, to fully understand clients' financial goals and circumstances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Devise debt liquidation plans that include payoff priorities and timelines.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Open accounts for clients, and disburse funds from accounts to creditors as agent for clients.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Personal Financial Advisors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Personal Financial Advisors professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value independence
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Personal Financial Advisors
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.92
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.69
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.58
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.54
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.50
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.38
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Concern for Others
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Persistence
4.2
Self-Control
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Cooperation
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Personal Financial Advisors.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Personal Financial Advisors
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.3k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.6k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.9k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.9k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
1.4k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.1k program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
974 program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
844 program completions/year
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