Accountant vs Financial Advisor: Salary Comparison
Financial Advisors earn $17K more per year than Accountants on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Accountant | Financial Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,250 | $94,170 |
| Entry Level | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Senior Level | $115,000 | $160,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $37/hr | $45/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's in Accounting | Bachelor's in Finance + CFP certification |
| Category | Business | Business |
Which Pays More?
On average, Financial Advisors earn $17K more per year than Accountants, with a median salary of $94,170 versus $77,250. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Accountant in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $149,500 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Financial Advisor. Education and credentials also play a role: Financial Advisors typically require Bachelor's in Finance + CFP certification, while Accountants need Bachelor's in Accounting. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Financial Advisor has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Accountant | Financial Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $110,000 | $134,000 |
| California | $107,000 | $130,000 |
| New York | $99,000 | $121,000 |
| Alaska | $97,000 | $118,000 |
| Massachusetts | $97,000 | $118,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Accountant or Financial Advisor pay more?
Financial Advisor pays more on average at $94,170/year, compared to $77,250/year for Accountant — a difference of $16,920/year.
What is the salary difference between Accountant and Financial Advisor?
The median salary gap is $16,920/year ($17K), with Financial Advisor earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Accountant or Financial Advisor?
Accountant grows from $50,000 to $115,000 (a $65,000 increase). Financial Advisor grows from $55,000 to $160,000 (a $105,000 increase). Financial Advisor shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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