Financial Advisor Salary: How much do financial advisors make in India, and what affects their earnings?
The financial advisor salary in India varies based on experience, certifications, and location. On average, it ranges from ₹1.2L to ₹19L per year, with mid-level professionals earning around ₹5LPA. Advanced certifications like CFA or CFP can boost earnings significantly.
With the financial services sector expanding, demand for skilled advisors is rising. Financial advisors guide clients on investments, taxes, and wealth management, working independently or with banks and firms.
This guide covers finance advisor salary trends, financial advisor salary in India 2025, highest-paying cities, and the factors influencing earnings, helping you understand career prospects in this field.
What is a Financial Advisor?
A financial advisor is a professional who helps individuals and businesses manage their money and achieve financial goals. They offer guidance on investments, tax planning, retirement, and risk management.
For example, a financial advisor might help a family plan for their child’s education or assist a business in managing cash flow.
Their role includes assessing financial situations, creating investment strategies, and recommending financial products like insurance. In India, financial advisors can work independently or with banks and firms. The financial advisor salary in India varies based on experience, certifications, and location, with higher earnings for those holding CFA or CFP credentials.
Different Types of Financial Advisors
Financial advisors specialize in various areas, offering services based on their expertise. Here are some common types:
1) Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs):
RIAs provide investment advice and must follow regulations to act in their client’s best interests. They usually charge a fee based on the assets they manage.
2) Certified Financial Planners (CFPs):
CFPs focus on comprehensive financial planning, including retirement, estate planning, and investments. Their certification ensures expertise in managing long-term financial goals.
3) Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs):
CFAs specialize in investment analysis and portfolio management. They are often found in wealth management firms handling high-value investments.
4) Certified Public Accountants (CPAs):
CPAs handle tax planning and financial reporting. They assist businesses and individuals in managing accounts and optimizing tax benefits.
5) Wealth Advisors:
Wealth advisors work with high-net-worth individuals, providing personalized financial strategies for investment growth, estate planning, and tax efficiency. They focus on long-term wealth preservation and management.
The financial advisor salary varies based on specialization, with CFAs and CFPs often earning higher than insurance or tax advisors.
Financial Advisor Salary in India 2025
The financial advisor salary in India depends on factors like experience, location, and extra earnings such as bonuses or commissions. Salaries typically range from ₹1.2L to ₹19L per year, with entry-level advisors earning less and experienced professionals with certifications making significantly more.
Here are detailed information of the average financial advisor salary in India, along with salary variations based on experience and location:
Average Financial Advisor Salary in India
Financial advisors earn varying salaries based on their expertise and industry demand. Here’s an overview of the average salary:
Financial Advisor Salary in India 2025: Average Salary |
|
Salary Component |
Amount (INR) |
Lowest Salary |
₹1.2L per year |
Average Salary |
₹5L per year |
Highest Salary |
₹19L per year |
Monthly Average Salary |
₹19,993 per month |
Financial Advisor Salary Based on Experience
The level of experience is a major factor in determining salary. Junior advisors start with lower earnings, while senior advisors with years of expertise earn significantly more. Here is an overview of the financial advisor salary based on experience in India:
Financial Advisor Salary in India 2025: Experience-Based |
|
Experience Level |
Average Salary (INR) |
Lowest Salary |
₹1.2LPA |
Average Salary |
₹5LPA |
Financial Advisor Salary in India (City-Wise)
Salaries vary by location due to demand, cost of living, and industry presence. Cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad offer higher salaries than smaller cities. Below is the financial advisor salary across different cities in India:
Financial Advisor Salary in India 2025: City-Wise |
|
City |
Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
New Delhi, Delhi |
₹41,667 |
Bengaluru, Karnataka |
₹51,992 |
Hyderabad, Telangana |
₹50,289 |
Kolkata, West Bengal |
₹38,952 |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
₹28,374 |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
₹25,895 |
Pune, Maharashtra |
₹25,034 |
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
₹22,084 |
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh |
₹15,910 |
Also Check: How to Become a Financial Advisor? Step-by-Step Guide
The finance advisor salary may also include bonuses, commissions, and other incentives, especially for those working with high-net-worth clients or in investment advisory roles.
Note: The salary figures mentioned are based on online sources and may vary depending on factors such as experience, job role, location, certifications, and company policies. Additional earnings like bonuses and commissions can also impact the total compensation.
Factors Affecting Financial Advisor Salary
The financial advisor salary in India depends on multiple factors such as experience, education, certifications, location, and the type of clients served. These factors play a crucial role in determining earning potential:
1. Experience:
Experience is a major factor in salary growth. Entry-level financial advisors earn less as they are still building their client base and expertise. With more years in the field, advisors gain trust, handle larger portfolios, and command higher fees.
For example, a senior financial advisor with over 10 years of experience typically earns more than someone in the early stages of their career.
2. Education:
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics is usually the minimum requirement for financial advisors. However, those with an advanced degree, such as an MBA or Master of Finance, tend to earn higher salaries. Higher education provides deeper industry knowledge and can lead to senior roles with better pay.
3. Certifications:
Professional certifications enhance credibility and impact earning potential. Some of the well-known certifications for financial advisors include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – Recognized globally, this certification is valuable for those specializing in investment management.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – Focuses on comprehensive financial planning and is widely respected in the industry.
Holding these certifications can increase client trust and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
4. Location:
Where an advisor works significantly affects their earnings. Financial advisors in metro cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru generally earn more due to higher living costs and a larger client base. On the other hand, salaries in smaller cities and towns tend to be lower.
For example, a financial advisor salary in New Delhi is often higher than in cities like Lucknow or Allahabad due to greater demand for financial services and investment opportunities.
5. Client Base:
The type of clients an advisor serves also influences their earnings. Advisors working with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) or corporate clients typically earn higher commissions and fees compared to those advising middle-income clients.
For instance, a financial advisor managing investment portfolios for wealthy clients can charge premium advisory fees, leading to higher overall income.
Also Read: Top 10 Cities to Pursue a Career in Finance
The finance advisor salary in India is not fixed and depends on several factors. Gaining experience, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications, working in a major city, and serving high-value clients can significantly increase earning potential.
Skills Required for a High Financial Advisor Salary
A financial advisor salary depends on skills that help professionals attract clients, manage investments, and provide effective financial guidance. To earn a high income, advisors need a mix of technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and strong communication skills. Here are the essential skills needed to achieve a high financial advisor salary:
Technical Skills
These skills help financial advisors analyze data, make informed decisions, and offer sound financial advice.
- Financial and Investment Knowledge: A deep understanding of financial markets, investment products, and financial planning strategies is essential.
- Analytical Thinking: Advisors must assess financial data, evaluate risks, and create investment plans that align with client goals.
- Sales and Persuasion: Financial advisors need to present their services effectively, explain complex concepts clearly, and help clients make informed financial decisions.
Soft Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are key to building trust and long-term client relationships.
- Communication: Financial advisors must explain financial strategies in simple terms and actively listen to client concerns.
- Relationship Management: Building strong, trustworthy relationships with clients ensures long-term financial planning success.
- Problem-Solving: Advisors must identify financial challenges and create tailored solutions to meet client objectives.
Additional Skills
To achieve success, financial advisors also benefit from:
- Understanding of Financial Software: Proficiency in tools for financial analysis and portfolio management.
- Organizational Skills: Managing multiple clients and keeping track of financial plans efficiently.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding client needs and making personalized recommendations.
Also Check: 7 Essential Skills for a Financial Analyst
A financial advisor’s salary in India is influenced by expertise, industry knowledge, and client relationships. Enhancing both technical and interpersonal skills can lead to higher earnings.
Factors like experience, location, and professional certifications such as CFP or CFA also impact income. A Financial Modeling Certification can also help by improving analytical skills and enhancing career prospects in investment and advisory roles.
Build Your Finance Skills with the PW Skills Financial Modeling Course
The PW Skills Financial Modeling Course with Deloitte Academy is designed for finance professionals and graduates looking to strengthen their financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and investment decision-making skills. This program provides practical learning, real-world case studies, and an industry-recognized certification to help individuals advance in the finance sector.
Here are the top five benefits and features of the Financial Modeling (FM) Course:
- Duration and Mode: The program runs for three months and is conducted through live sessions, ensuring an interactive learning experience.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers fundamental to advanced financial modeling techniques, aligned with industry needs.
- Industry-Recognized Certification: Participants receive a certification upon completion, adding value to their professional profile.
- Guidance from Finance Professionals: The course includes insights from Deloitte India professionals with extensive industry knowledge.
- Hands-on Learning: Practical exercises and capstone projects help learners apply financial modeling skills to real-world scenarios.
Enhance your knowledge and strengthen your career in finance. Enroll in the PW Skills Financial Modeling Online Course and develop valuable financial expertise!
A financial advisor salary in India varies based on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level advisors earn around ₹1.2L per year, while experienced professionals can earn up to ₹19L annually, with additional earnings from commissions and bonuses. Yes, the demand for financial advisors is expected to grow. Employment in this field is projected to increase by 7%, surpassing the average growth rate of many other professions, as more individuals seek financial planning and investment guidance. Being a financial advisor can be challenging due to market fluctuations, client expectations, and the effort required to build a strong client base. However, with experience and effective client management, many professionals find it rewarding despite the challenges. Gaining knowledge in financial planning, investment analysis, and advisory skills is essential. Enrolling in courses like the PW Skills Financial Modeling Course with Deloitte Academy can help build expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and decision-making for a strong career in finance. A financial advisor needs strong analytical skills, financial planning knowledge, and communication abilities to guide clients effectively. Skills in investment strategies, risk assessment, and relationship management also play a crucial role in career growth and higher earnings. Yes, financial advisors can work independently by starting their advisory firm or offering freelance consulting services. Many professionals begin their careers at firms and later transition to independent practice as they gain experience and build a client base.Financial Advisor Salary in India FAQs
How much do financial advisors make in India?
Is there a future for financial advisors?
Is a financial advisor’s job stressful?
How can I prepare for a financial advisor job?
What skills are essential for a financial advisor?
Can financial advisors work independently?