Application Fee
See agencyFinancial Advisor Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Securities
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$85,580 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 85,580, Financial Advisors in Colorado earn 16% below the national median of $102,140. Colorado ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$85,580Hourly estimate
$41.14Difference: -$16,560
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | 167,970 |
| #2 | Idaho | 136,440 |
| #3 | California | 128,650 |
| #4 | Delaware | 128,170 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 123,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Financial Advisor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $85,580 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $102,140 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $74,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $100,810 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $73,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $77,710 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $85,150 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $67,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Securities
1560 Broadway Ste 900, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038942320
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,620 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $90,030 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $57,420 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Financial Advisors in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Financial Advisors.
What education do you need to become a Financial Advisor in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Financial Advisor licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Colorado is 85,580. Salaries range from $61,910 (10th percentile) to $181,000 (90th percentile).
How does the Financial Advisor salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Financial Advisors in Colorado earn 16% below the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 85,580.
How many Financial Advisors work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 5,930 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Financial Advisors in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Securities.