Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Business
Financial Advisor Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
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
WI Dept of Financial Institutions • Division of Securities
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$115,680 median (13% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#8 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 Wisconsin
With a median salary of 115,680, Financial Advisors in Wisconsin earn 13% above the national median of $102,140. Wisconsin ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$115,680Hourly estimate
$55.6213% above national median
Difference: +$13,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
#8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $115,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $94,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $81,790 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $104,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Michigan | $98,830 | Varies by state board | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
WI Dept of Financial Institutions • Division of Securities
201 W Washington Ave, Suite 300, P.O. Box 1768, Madison, WI, 53707-1768
Phone: 6082662139
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $93,310 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $78,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $90,770 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $50,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Wisconsin is 115,680.
How does the Financial Advisor salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Financial Advisors in Wisconsin earn 13% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 115,680.
How many Financial Advisors work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 5,240 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Dept of Financial Institutions / Division of Securities. Review agency details at http://www.wdfi.org/fi/securities/registration/.