Personal financial advisors
SOC Code: 13-2052Also known as:
Account Manager, Asset Analyst, Asset Manager, Budget Counselor, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Median Annual Salary
$102,140
+9.6% growth (2024-2034)
24K
Openings/Year
326K
Current Jobs
What Personal financial advisors Do
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.
💰 Salary
$102,140
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.6%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
24K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
326,000
Projected Employment (2034)
357,200
Related Careers
Financial managers
$161,700 •
+14.8% growth
Financial and investment analysts
$101,350 •
+5.7% growth
Financial risk specialists
$106,000 •
+6.5% growth
Credit counselors
$50,480 •
+3.3% growth
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
$78,140 •
+3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
- Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
- Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
- Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
- Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
- Recommend financial products, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or insurance.
- Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
- Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
- Prepare or interpret for clients information, such as investment performance reports, financial document summaries, or income projections.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Personal financial advisors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a personal financial advisors:
Finance, General
49,828 degrees awarded •
745 colleges offer this program
Financial Planning and Services
5,773 degrees awarded •
84 colleges offer this program
Family Resource Management Studies, General
789 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Personal financial advisors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become personal financial advisors.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do personal financial advisors make?
The median annual salary for personal financial advisors is $102,140.
What education do personal financial advisors need?
Most personal financial advisors positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Finance, General, Financial Planning and Services, Family Resource Management Studies, General.
Is becoming personal financial advisors a good career choice?
Personal financial advisors is projected to see +9.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 24,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for personal financial advisors?
Top colleges for aspiring personal financial advisors include
University of Georgia, The University of Texas at Austin, Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to personal financial advisors?
Personal financial advisors may also be known as: Account Manager, Asset Analyst, Asset Manager, Budget Counselor, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Client Advisor, Credit Counselor, Debt Counselor, Estate Planner, Estate Planning Counselor, Estate Trustee, Finance Consultant, Financial Advisor, Financial Advisor Associate, Financial Agent, Financial Consultant, Financial Coordinator, Financial Counselor, Financial Investment Adviser.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.