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2026 Salary Data — Los Angeles, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Financial Planner Salary in Los Angeles: $123K Median

Financial Planners in Los Angeles, CA earn between $80K and $203K per year.

That's +28% above the US national median of $96,000 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles, CA is $122,880 per year — +28% above the US national median of $96,000. Salaries range from $79,872 (entry, 25th percentile) to $202,752 (90th percentile). Financial Planners in Los Angeles earned approximately $24,094 in 2025, representing 410.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$122,880
+410.0% YoY · $10,240/mo
Entry
$95,846
0–2 years
Experienced
$162,202
5+ years
Top 10%
$202,752
Senior/lead
Financial Planner Salary — Los Angeles vs Nearby
Los Angeles
$123K
San Diego
$113K
+8% vs Los Angeles
San Francisco
$149K
-17% vs Los Angeles
Fresno
$91K
+35% vs Los Angeles

Free ATS scan · Los Angeles employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Financial Planners in Los Angeles

Financial planners help individuals and families plan for retirement, investments, taxes, and estate goals. CFP-track planners deliver holistic, fiduciary-grade advice.

Core Responsibilities

  • Build comprehensive financial plans
  • Advise on retirement and investment strategy
  • Manage client portfolios and rebalancing
  • Coordinate tax and estate planning
  • Build long-term client relationships

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Bachelor's degree + CFP certification

In-demand certifications

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)ChFCCFASeries 7/65/66CPA/PFS

Los Angeles Job Market

Entertainment capital with growing tech sector ("Silicon Beach") and major aerospace industry.

Population
3979K
Cost of Living
173
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
Median Home
$950K

Top Industries in Los Angeles

EntertainmentAerospaceTechHealthcareTourism

Top Employers Hiring Financial Planners

Major employers active in Los Angeles or hiring remotely from this metro.

Fidelity
Vanguard
Charles Schwab
Edward Jones
Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
RIAs (independent)
Northwestern Mutual

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Financial Planner listings.

CFP designationtax planningestate planningfee-only RIA modelfinancial planning software (eMoney, RightCapital)behavioral finance

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

CFPfinancial planningretirement planninginvestment managementwealth managementfiduciarytax planningestate planningSeries 65client relationships
Career Outlook
+13% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

Financial planner roles projected to grow 13% through 2034. Aging baby boomers and growing wealth transfer driving strong demand for CFPs.

Financial Planner Salary Breakdown — Los Angeles

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$79,872$122,880$202,752
Monthly$6,656$10,240$16,896
Weekly$1,536$2,363$3,899
Hourly$38$59$97

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($96,000) adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Financial Planner Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$87,887.08
Per month$7,324
Biweekly paycheck$3,380
Effective tax rate28.5%

Tax Breakdown on $122,880

Gross salary$122,880
Federal income tax−$18,834.2
California state tax−$6,758.4
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$9,400.32
Take-home (net)$87,887.08

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Financial Planner Salary by Experience — Los Angeles

Career-stage progression for Financial Planners in Los Angeles.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$88,178
2–3 yr$95,846
4–6 yr$129,024
7–10 yr$162,202
11–15 yr$191,398
15+ yr$182,477

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Los Angeles's 1.28× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+410.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$24,094
2026 median:$122,880
Change:+$98,786

Finance sector growth driven by demand for CFP designation and tax planning.

Is This A Good Salary?

Livable middle-class

Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$71,029
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Financial Planner Salary in Los Angeles

Walk-away anchor: $109,714 (offers below this are below market for Los Angeles).

Leverage Points

  • Bonus targets and historical payout percentages (ask for last 3 years actual)
  • Profit-share, carry, or AUM-linked compensation for senior roles
  • CFA, CPA, or Series licenses materially shift base compensation
  • Buyout of unvested deferred comp from your current employer

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Guaranteed first-year bonus (especially in IB, PE, hedge funds)Sign-on / make-whole for forfeited deferred compCarried interest or profit-share at PE/HF/VC firmsCFA / Series exam fees and study time off401(k) match and deferred comp plan

What To Say

"I'm walking away from $X in unvested deferred compensation if I leave now. Can we structure the offer with a sign-on that makes me whole, plus a guaranteed first-year bonus floor?"

Anchor on $162K–$203K for experienced roles, citing Los Angeles market data and your specific CFP designation/tax planning expertise.

Financial Planner Salary FAQ — Los Angeles

What is the average Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The average Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles is $122,880 per year as of April 2026 — $10,240/month, $2,363/week, or about $59/hour. Salaries range from $79,872 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $202,752 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×).
Is $122,880 a good Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles?
Livable middle-class. Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline. Los Angeles's cost-of-living index is 173 (vs 100 nationally), giving $122,880 a real purchasing power of approximately $71,029 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $122,880 in Los Angeles?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For Los Angeles specifically (median home price $950,000), a $122,880 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $122,880 enough for a single person in Los Angeles?
A single adult in Los Angeles typically needs ~$77,850 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $122,880 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $122,880 enough for a couple in Los Angeles?
A couple (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$124,560 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $122,880 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most couples at this level need both partners working or significant lifestyle adjustments. Two earners at $122,880 each ($245,760 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $122,880 enough for a family of 4 in Los Angeles?
A family of 4 (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$190,300 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $122,880 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of Los Angeles. Childcare costs in Los Angeles typically run $26K-$48K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Financial Planner in Los Angeles?
On a $122,880 Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles, CA, you take home approximately $87,887.08 per year ($7,324/month, $3,380 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $18,834.2, state $6,758.4, FICA $9,400.32. Effective tax rate: 28.5%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Financial Planners in Los Angeles earn compared to the US average?
Financial Planners in Los Angeles earn approximately 28% more than the US national median for this role ($96,000 nationally vs $122,880 in Los Angeles). However, Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 173 means real purchasing power is approximately $71,029 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Financial Planner earn in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Financial Planners in Los Angeles typically start at around $95,846 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Financial Planners earn $162,202 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $202,752+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Financial Planner salaries in Los Angeles increase in 2026?
Yes — Financial Planner salaries in Los Angeles grew approximately 410.0% year-over-year, from $24,094 in 2025 to $122,880 in 2026 (+$98,786). This reflects the broader Finance sector's compensation trend, driven by CFP designation and tax planning demand.
What's the job outlook for Financial Planners in Los Angeles?
Financial planner roles projected to grow 13% through 2034. Aging baby boomers and growing wealth transfer driving strong demand for CFPs. Los Angeles's top industries include Entertainment, Aerospace, Tech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 5.1% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Financial Planners in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Financial Planners are: CFP designation, tax planning, estate planning, fee-only RIA model, financial planning software (eMoney, RightCapital), behavioral finance. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in Los Angeles.
Who are the top employers hiring Financial Planners in Los Angeles?
Top employers hiring Financial Planners in or near Los Angeles include: Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, Edward Jones, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles?
I'm walking away from $X in unvested deferred compensation if I leave now. Can we structure the offer with a sign-on that makes me whole, plus a guaranteed first-year bonus floor? Key leverage points for Finance negotiations: Bonus targets and historical payout percentages (ask for last 3 years actual); Profit-share, carry, or AUM-linked compensation for senior roles; CFA, CPA, or Series licenses materially shift base compensation. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Guaranteed first-year bonus (especially in IB, PE, hedge funds), Sign-on / make-whole for forfeited deferred comp, Carried interest or profit-share at PE/HF/VC firms, CFA / Series exam fees and study time off.
How can I increase my Financial Planner salary in Los Angeles?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (CFP designation, tax planning, estate planning) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or ChFC). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Financial Planner in Los Angeles?
Bachelor's degree + CFP certification is the typical path. However, Los Angeles's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Finance roles.

Methodology & Sources

Financial Planner salary figures for Los Angeles are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($96,000) by Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.28× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (410.0%) reflects the Finance sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in Los Angeles

Financial Analyst →Accountant →Real Estate Agent →

Financial Planner Salary in Other Cities

San Diego, CA$113KSan Francisco, CA$149KSeattle, WA$127KWashington, DC$125KBoston, MA$125KFresno, CA$91KSacramento, CA$104KLong Beach, CA$115K

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