Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. A master’s degree and certification may improve chances for advancement. PayThe median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $105,070 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,100 openings for personal financial advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $105,070 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,100 openings for personal financial advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 17,100 openings for personal financial advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.
Work Environment
Most personal financial advisors work in the finance and insurance industry or are self-employed. They typically work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They also may meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends.
How to Become a Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. A master’s degree and certification may improve chances for advancement.
Pay
The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $105,070 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 17,100 openings for personal financial advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most personal financial advisors work in the finance and insurance industry or are self-employed. They typically work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They also may meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends.
How to Become a Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. A master’s degree and certification may improve chances for advancement.
Pay
The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $105,070 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 17,100 openings for personal financial advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for personal financial advisors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of personal financial advisors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about personal financial advisors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.