RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Personal Financial Advisors salary in Columbus, Ohio

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Columbus metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$77,890
Mean annual$102,320
Range (10th to 90th)$36,500 to $173,690
Columbus, Ohio employment2,470
State vs national-23.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Columbus personal financial advisors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$36,50025TH$49,780MEDIAN$77,89075TH$129,78090TH$173,690

The middle 50% of workers earn between $49,780 and $129,780, with a median of $77,890.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Economics and Accounting

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.

  2. 02

    Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.

  3. 03

    Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.

  4. 04

    Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.

  5. 05

    Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.

  6. 06

    Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.

  7. 07

    Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.

  8. 08

    Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.

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Other metros in Ohio

How the Columbus metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for personal financial advisors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Personal Financial Advisors in Columbus, Ohio?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Personal Financial Advisors in the Columbus metropolitan area is $77,890.
Does Columbus pay more than the Ohio state average for Personal Financial Advisors?
The Columbus metro median is -5.1% versus the Ohio state median of $82,100.
How does Columbus compare to the national median for Personal Financial Advisors?
The Columbus metro median is -23.6% versus the BLS national figure of $101,950.
What is the salary range for Personal Financial Advisors in Columbus?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,500 and the 90th-percentile at $173,690 for the Columbus metro area.
What education is required for Personal Financial Advisors?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Columbus CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.