⭐ Bright Outlook

Personal Financial Advisors

O*NET 13-2052.00 · SOC 13-2052

Projected Growth
+17%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$105k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
29k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Assess client financial goals and risk tolerance
  • Develop personalized investment and savings strategies
  • Review and rebalance client portfolios regularly
  • Advise on tax planning, retirement, and estate strategies
  • Build and maintain long-term client relationships

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Personal Financial Advisors roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Personal Financial Advisors? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership — offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Personal Financial Advisors involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningAssess client financial goals and risk tolerance
MiddayDevelop personalized investment and savings strategies
AfternoonReview and rebalance client portfolios regularly

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)5.8
Conventional (Organizers)5.6
Social (Helpers)4.1
Investigative (Thinkers)3.3
Artistic (Creators)1.7
Realistic (Doers)1.0

Who Thrives as Personal Financial Advisor?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveENTJThe CommanderESFJThe ProviderENFJThe Mentor

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Personal Financial Advisors Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

IndeedLinkedIn JobsZipRecruiter

Similar Careers

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers+8%Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists+6%Human Resources Specialists+8%Project Management Specialists+6%Labor Relations Specialists+6%Medical and Health Services Managers+29%Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers+5%Chief Executives+5%

Explore More Careers

Best Healthcare Careers →Best Business Careers →Browse all careers →

Is Personal Financial Advisors right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the free quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free · No account required · 5 minutes