Personal Financial Advisors vs Retail Salespersons: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Personal Financial Advisors professionals earn $67,560 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 195.4% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Personal Financial Advisors$49,990 – N/A
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$49,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Personal Financial Advisors | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,990 | $25,600 | +$24,390 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,620 | $29,140 | +$41,480 |
| Median (50th) | $102,140 | $34,580 | +$67,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,540 | $37,850 | +$134,690 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $47,930 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $160,210 | $37,150 | +$123,060 |
Employment Numbers
Personal Financial Advisors
270,480
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Personal Financial Advisors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $168,350 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $157,510 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,400 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $126,690 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $126,480 |
Best Cities for Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Personal Financial Advisors or Retail Salespersons?
Personal Financial Advisors professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $67,560 (195.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Personal Financial Advisors?
Personal Financial Advisors salaries range from $49,990 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $102,140.
What is the salary range for Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Personal Financial Advisors and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 270,480 Personal Financial Advisors positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons to Personal Financial Advisors?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Personal Financial Advisors has a median salary of $102,140 while Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS