Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Business
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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$101,320 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 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 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 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$101,320Hourly estimate
$48.711% below national median
Difference: -$820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
#18 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $101,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Hampshire | $82,530 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $81,360 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $167,970 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $107,030 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Rhode Island | $100,880 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Hampshire | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Rhode Island | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Securities Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Room 1701, Boston, MA, 02108
Phone: 6177273548
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $101,980 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,580 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $104,450 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $48,300 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Massachusetts?
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 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. License status indicator: Active. 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.