Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Business
Financial Advisor Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Auctioneer Examiners Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$103,290 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 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 Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 103,290, Financial Advisors in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of $102,140. Pennsylvania ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$103,290Hourly estimate
$49.661% above national median
Difference: +$1,150
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
#12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $103,290 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $167,970 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $123,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $128,170 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $122,510 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $77,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $82,100 | Degree required | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 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. |
| New Jersey | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Delaware | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Auctioneer Examiners Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177833397
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $92,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $55,940 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Financial Advisors.
What education do you need to become a Financial Advisor in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Financial Advisor licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Pennsylvania is 103,290.
How does the Financial Advisor salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Financial Advisors in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 103,290.
How many Financial Advisors work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 12,370 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Auctioneer Examiners Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/AuctioneerExaminers/Pages/default.aspx.