CFP Holders Earn Median $195,000, 11% More Than Peers

Certified Financial Planner holders posted a median total compensation of $195,000 in 2025, 11% higher than non‑CFP financial planners, the CFP Board’s annual compensation study found. The median rose about 5% from $185,000 in 2024, while the premium over non‑CFP advisors narrowed from 13% to 11%. The survey gathered responses from 1,624 financial planners between mid‑January and mid‑March 2025. The CFP Board adjusted the 2025 compensation figures for factors such as advisor experience, geographic location and the types of services offered. In its 2026 report, the board wrote the pay gap reflects “the value employers and clients place on their expertise and professionalism.” Individual respondents who hold the CFP designation reported average year‑over‑year compensation gains of 15%, a pace the board noted exceeded inflation. The study identified experience and leadership responsibilities as the largest drivers of higher pay: CFPs with more than 20 years in the industry had a median total compensation of $360,000, and those supervising five or more employees had a median of $452,135. The makeup of total compensation for CFP holders averaged 37% annual salary, 46% variable pay such as bonuses and commissions, and 17% from company profits and profit sharing. Firm type also affected pay. CFPs at large wirehouses and brokerages had a median of $213,760, those at independent broker‑dealers earned $226,500, and CFPs at registered investment advisors had a median of $175,000. The survey reported broad benefits coverage for CFP holders: more than 95% had access to a defined‑contribution retirement plan, 92% had health insurance, 89% dental insurance, and 83% disability and vision insurance. Time off data showed a median of 20 paid vacation days and 10 paid holidays. Parental leave availability was high, with 85% reporting maternity leave and 82% reporting paternity leave. Just over 80% of respondents said they could work remotely or on a hybrid schedule. The CFP designation continued to grow: the number of certificants rose 4.3% year over year to 107,529.