CFP Holders Earn 11% More; Median Pay $195,000

Certified Financial Planner holders reported a median total compensation of $195,000 for 2025, roughly 11% higher than other financial planners, the CFP Board’s annual compensation study found. The board adjusted the figures for factors including experience, location and services offered.

The findings come from a survey of 1,624 financial planners conducted from mid‑January to mid‑March. The 2025 median rose about 5% from $185,000 a year earlier. The 11% premium for CFP holders narrowed from a 13% gap reported for 2024. When looking at individual responses, CFP holders reported an average year‑over‑year compensation increase of 15%.

Experience and leadership responsibilities were the largest contributors to higher pay among CFPs. Planners with more than 20 years in the industry had a median total compensation of $360,000. Those who supervised five or more employees reported a median of $452,135. The study also found that on average CFP holders’ pay was split about 37% salary, 46% variable compensation and 17% company profits or profit sharing.

Firm type affected compensation. CFPs at large wirehouses and brokerages had a median total compensation of $213,760, while CFPs at independent broker‑dealers reported a median of $226,500. Registered investment advisors had the lowest median among CFP holders, at $175,000.

The report listed common workplace benefits reported by respondents. More than 95% had access to a defined‑contribution retirement plan. General health insurance was available to 92%, dental insurance to 89% and disability and vision coverage to 83%. The median amount of paid leave was 20 days annually, with a median of 10 paid holidays. Eighty‑five percent reported access to maternity leave and 82% to paternity leave. Just over 80% said they could work from home at least part of the time.

The CFP Board reported the total number of certified planners rose 4.3% to 107,529. The board wrote that the premium earned by CFP holders reflects “the value employers and clients place on their expertise and professionalism.” The board’s compensation study aims to show how certification, experience, firm type and leadership roles correlate with pay and benefits across the financial planning profession.