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Financial Advisor Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Washington, 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 Washington

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Tied to business
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Financial Institutions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $112,020 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 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 Washington

With a median salary of 112,020, Financial Advisors in Washington earn 10% above the national median of $102,140. Washington ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$112,020

Hourly estimate

$53.86
10% above national median

Difference: +$9,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,150
  • P2525th percentile$77,630
  • P50Median$112,020
  • P7575th percentile$168,610
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $112,020
National: $102,140

Total employment: 6,510 | Annual openings: N/A

Financial Advisor Salary Ranking

#9 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
Washington$112,020Varies by state boardThird-party exam required6-24 months
Idaho$136,440Varies by state boardState exam required6-24 months
Oregon$80,190Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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
Washington62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Idaho62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Financial Institutions

150 Israel Rd SW, Tumwater, WA, 98501

Phone: 3609028700

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$97,800Degree required6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$96,180Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$105,090No educational requirements6-24 months
Funeral Director$60,010No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Washington?

Washington lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Financial Advisors.

What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Washington is 112,020.

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

Financial Advisors in Washington earn 10% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 112,020.

How many Financial Advisors work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 6,510 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Washington 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 Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Financial Institutions. Review agency details at http://www.dfi.wa.gov/.