Financial Examiners vs Personal Financial Advisors: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Financial Examiners

Median Salary
$82,484
Average (Mean)
$91,177
Employed Nationwide
63,280
VS

Personal Financial Advisors

Median Salary
$92,738
Average (Mean)
$139,118
Employed Nationwide
264,740
Personal Financial Advisors earns $10,253 more (12.4%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $82,484 $92,738
Average (Mean) Salary $91,177 $139,118
Total Employment 63,280 264,740
States with Higher Pay 10 36

Salary by State: Financial Examiners vs Personal Financial Advisors

Showing 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. Financial Examiners pays more in 10 states; Personal Financial Advisors pays more in 36.

State Financial Examiners Personal Financial Advisors Difference
Alaska $61,800
$84,710
$-22,910
Arizona $78,080
$81,850
$-3,770
Arkansas $77,160
$63,080
+$14,080
California $100,400
$103,330
$-2,930
Colorado $97,320
$96,440
+$880
Connecticut $111,690
$124,100
$-12,410
Delaware $79,390
$107,170
$-27,780
District of Columbia $180,290
$97,860
+$82,430
Florida $61,480
$92,770
$-31,290
Georgia $74,640
$98,330
$-23,690
Hawaii $64,410
$75,330
$-10,920
Idaho $81,120
$94,980
$-13,860
Illinois $85,080
$95,870
$-10,790
Indiana $72,920
$95,410
$-22,490
Iowa $79,830
$83,070
$-3,240
Kansas $70,660
$78,290
$-7,630
Kentucky $68,550
$77,950
$-9,400
Louisiana $91,550
$107,580
$-16,030
Maryland $79,730
$98,480
$-18,750
Massachusetts $87,980
$99,930
$-11,950
Michigan $72,180
$70,390
+$1,790
Minnesota $87,550
$98,920
$-11,370
Missouri $79,530
$101,100
$-21,570
Montana $79,290
$81,110
$-1,820
Nebraska $64,650
$73,110
$-8,460
New Hampshire $94,660
$82,980
+$11,680
New Jersey $101,020
$126,670
$-25,650
New Mexico $73,050
$78,370
$-5,320
New York $109,550
$161,760
$-52,210
North Carolina $97,870
$102,920
$-5,050
North Dakota $72,030
$102,700
$-30,670
Ohio $66,620
$82,030
$-15,410
Oklahoma $73,420
$102,990
$-29,570
Oregon $78,950
$64,410
+$14,540
Pennsylvania $81,960
$100,370
$-18,410
Rhode Island $102,420
$100,530
+$1,890
South Carolina $79,230
$77,900
+$1,330
South Dakota $78,620
$105,470
$-26,850
Tennessee $63,600
$78,140
$-14,540
Texas $70,550
$81,660
$-11,110
Utah $71,300
$65,300
+$6,000
Vermont $91,660
$102,240
$-10,580
Virginia $93,080
$102,430
$-9,350
Washington $97,780
$91,580
+$6,200
West Virginia $53,480
$74,690
$-21,210
Wisconsin $84,350
$99,660
$-15,310

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Financial Examiners or Personal Financial Advisors?
On average across all states, a Personal Financial Advisors earns more than a Financial Examiners. The national median salary difference is $10,253 (12.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Financial Examiners earn more than a Personal Financial Advisors?
A Financial Examiners earns a higher median salary than a Personal Financial Advisors in 10 out of 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Personal Financial Advisors pays more in 36 states.
What is the median salary for a Financial Examiners vs Personal Financial Advisors?
The national median salary for a Financial Examiners is $82,484 per year, compared to $92,738 for a Personal Financial Advisors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Financial Examiners or Personal Financial Advisors?
There are more people employed as Personal Financial Advisors. BLS reports approximately 63,280 Financial Examiners positions and 264,740 Personal Financial Advisors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Financial Examiners or Personal Financial Advisors?
Both Financial Examiners and Personal Financial Advisors are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.