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Financial Advisor Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $101,320 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Financial Advisor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $101,320, Financial Advisors in Massachusetts earn 1% below the national median of $102,140. Massachusetts ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$101,320

Hourly estimate

$48.71
1% below national median

Difference: -$820

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$65,060
  • P2525th percentile$80,460
  • P50Median$101,320
  • P7575th percentile$152,270
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $101,320
National: $102,140

Total employment: 7,410 | Annual openings: N/A

Financial Advisor Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$167,970
#2Idaho$136,440
#3California$128,650
#4Delaware$128,170
#5New Jersey$123,690

Nearby States Comparison

Financial Advisor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$101,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New Hampshire$82,530Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$81,360No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$167,970No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$107,030Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Rhode Island$100,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Hampshire68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
Rhode Island78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth

One Ashburton Place, Room 1701, Boston, MA, 02108

Phone: 6177273548

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$101,980Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$61,680Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$96,580Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$104,450Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Massachusetts?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Massachusetts is $101,320.

How does the Financial Advisor salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Financial Advisors in Massachusetts earn 1% below the national median of $102,140, with a state median of $101,320.

How many Financial Advisors work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 7,410 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Financial Advisors in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Review agency details at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/sct/sctidx.htm.

How often do you renew a Financial Advisor license in Massachusetts?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.