What does a personal financial advisor do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Personal financial advisors give advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes and retirement. A bachelor's degree is typical, and licenses depend on the products sold. BLS reports a median pay of $105,070 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-2052 |
| O*NET code | 13-2052.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $105,070 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 1 percent (slower than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 299,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a personal financial advisor do?
BLS says personal financial advisors meet clients to discuss financial goals, explain services, answer questions about investment risks, recommend or select investments, plan for goals such as education or retirement, monitor accounts and research investment opportunities.
Work environment
Most work in the finance and insurance industry or are self-employed. Securities and financial investments employ 65 percent, credit intermediation 16 percent and self-employed workers account for 10 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically required, often in business, social science or mathematics. Advisors who sell securities or insurance need licenses that vary by product. Small firms require state registration, and large firms require SEC registration. BLS lists long-term on-the-job training.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical, interpersonal, math, sales and speaking skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a personal financial advisor make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $105,070 for personal financial advisors (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of personal financial advisors to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels slower than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 17,100 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Match the licenses you pursue to the products you plan to advise on.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Financial analysts, Financial managers, Insurance sales agents, Budget analysts, Loan officers.
Frequently asked questions
What licenses do personal financial advisors need? BLS says advisors who sell securities or insurance need licenses that vary by product. Small firms require state registration and large firms require SEC registration.
What degree do financial advisors need? BLS says a bachelor's degree is typically required, often in business, social science or mathematics.
How much do personal financial advisors make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $105,070 for personal financial advisors (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is personal financial advisor a good career? BLS projects 1 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (slower than average). About 17,100 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- Financial Analyst: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does a Financial Manager Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does an Insurance Sales Agent Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Budget Analyst Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Personal financial advisors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-2052.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2052.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.