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Financial Advisor Licensing in New York

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in New York

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: No educational requirements
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of Financial Services • Applications and Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $167,970 median (64% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of 167,970, Financial Advisors in New York earn 64% above the national median of $102,140. New York ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$167,970

Hourly estimate

$80.75
64% above national median

Difference: +$65,830

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$70,210
  • P2525th percentile$99,150
  • P50Median$167,970
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $167,970
National: $102,140

Total employment: 28,820 | Annual openings: N/A

Financial Advisor Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York167,970
#2Idaho136,440
#3California128,650
#4Delaware128,170
#5New Jersey123,690

Nearby States Comparison

Financial Advisor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$167,970No educational requirementsThird-party exam required6-24 months
Vermont$81,360No educational requirementsThird-party exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$101,320Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Connecticut$107,030Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
New Jersey$123,690Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Pennsylvania$103,290Degree requiredState exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

NYS Department of Financial Services • Applications and Licensing

One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY, 12257

Phone: 5184083086

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$98,580Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$101,780Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$102,440Degree required6-24 months
Funeral Director$62,590Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 New York?

New York 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 New York?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Financial Advisor licensure in New York.

What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in New York is 167,970.

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

Financial Advisors in New York earn 64% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 167,970.

How many Financial Advisors work in New York?

New York employs approximately 28,820 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of Financial Services / Applications and Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/.