Finance Salaries in Oregon: Pacific Payouts in Financial Planning

published on 26 January 2024

Finding fulfilling and lucrative financial planning careers can be challenging for professionals in Oregon.

This guide provides detailed insights into finance salaries across the state, empowering you to maximize your earnings potential.

We examine compensation ranges for roles like financial analysts, accountants, and advisors, while exploring factors impacting Oregon finance salaries - from credentials to geographic location. Strategies for advancing your financial planning career in the Beaver State are also provided.

Introduction to Finance Salaries in Oregon

Finance professionals in Oregon enjoy strong career opportunities and above-average salaries. Major employers in Portland and across the state are hiring talent in corporate finance, financial planning, accounting, analysis, and more. With projected growth ahead, Oregon presents a robust job market for those looking to launch or advance a career in finance.

The Landscape of Finance Salaries in the Pacific State

  • Oregon's finance salaries outpace national averages. Financial analysts in Oregon earn a median salary of $76,270 compared to $72,950 nationally, while financial managers make $131,730 versus $127,990 nationwide (BLS data).
  • The Portland metro area drives most of the demand, with powerhouse companies like Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Daimler Trucks North America, and others needing finance talent. Jobs are growing outside Portland too.
  • Oregon added over 4,100 financial activities jobs in 2021 alone, with particular growth in credit intermediation and related activities (Oregon Employment Department).

Top Oregon Employers Hiring Finance Talent

Major Oregon-based companies hiring financial planners, analysts, accountants, and advisors include:

  • Nike - Fortune 500 company needing corporate finance roles from analysts to VPs.
  • Columbia Sportswear - Public company searching for analysts, managers, and directors.
  • Daimler Trucks North America - Finance and accounting openings ranging from interns to controllers.
  • The Standard - Fortune 500 insurance firm hiring for actuarial, FP&A, treasury, and more.
  • Northwest Natural Gas - Public utility company with analyst and planning roles open.

Projected Job Growth for Finance Roles

Oregon finance jobs are projected to expand over the next decade:

  • Financial analyst jobs expected to grow 17.5% by 2028 (Oregon Employment Department).
  • Accountant and auditor roles projected to rise 14.1% through 2026 (BLS data).
  • Financial advisor jobs forecast to grow by 8% over a 10-year period (Oregon Employment Department).

With strong salaries and growing opportunities, Oregon presents a promising landscape for finance professionals looking to advance their careers and earnings potential.

How much money can you make in financial planning?

Financial planning can be a lucrative career path, especially for those with several years of experience. According to national salary estimates:

  • The average salary for financial advisors with 1-2 years of experience is $63,210 per year.
  • Financial advisors with over 10 years of experience earn an average of $107,068 per year.

Additional salary insights from Glassdoor:

  • The average base pay for a financial advisor is $118,385 per year.

There is strong earning potential in financial planning roles, particularly in the long run. Compensation tends to increase steadily with greater expertise.

While entry-level salaries in the $60,000 range are common, top performers can make well over $100,000 annually. With bonuses and commissions added, some make significantly more.

The earning potential makes financial planning an attractive field for those analytical individuals who enjoy strategizing and guiding clients to achieve their financial goals.

What is the average salary for a CFP in Oregon?

The average salary for a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in Oregon is $99,485 per year, which breaks down to $8,290 per month.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of CFP salary ranges in Oregon:

  • Top Earners (75th Percentile): $145,376 per year, $12,114 per month
  • Average Salary: $99,485 per year, $8,290 per month
  • 25th Percentile: $92,000 per year, $7,666 per month

So while the average Oregon CFP makes just under $100k, there is significant variation in compensation. Those in the top 25% highest earning CFPs take home over $140k annually.

Factors impacting CFP pay in Oregon:

  • Years of experience
  • Firm size and type (small practice vs large firm)
  • Revenue generated
  • Geographic location
  • Specializations and credentials

For example, a Senior CFP at a large wealth management firm in Portland likely earns far more than a Junior CFP at a small independent practice in rural Oregon.

CFP professionals in Oregon earn salaries comparable to national averages. The key to unlocking higher earning potential lies in developing specialized experience, building a large client base, and working for a high-revenue firm.

How much do financial advisors get paid near Portland OR?

Financial advisors in the Portland, Oregon area typically earn an average salary of $79,500 to $138,900 per year.

Specifically, the 25th percentile for financial advisor salaries in Portland is around $79,500. This means 25% of financial advisors earn less than this amount. The 75th percentile sits at $138,900 - meaning 75% of financial advisors earn less than this figure. Salaries below the 25th percentile range can be considered statistical outliers.

As a major metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest, Portland offers strong compensation for financial service roles. Major employers like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and UBS draw talent with lucrative salaries to entice top advisors.

Within the state of Oregon, the Portland metro region tends to offer higher pay compared to more rural areas. The concentration of wealth and large businesses in Portland lead to increased demand and compensation for financial expertise.

While base salaries represent a portion of advisor pay, commissions and bonuses also compose a significant part of their annual compensation. Producing advisors at top firms can earn well into the mid-six figures in total compensation through client assets under management.

So in summary, financial advisors in the Portland area can expect base salaries ranging from $79,500 to $138,900, with total compensation potential exceeding $300,000 for high performers managing an extensive book of business. The area's business concentration and wealth drive increased demand for advisors and greater payscale ceilings.

What state pays financial advisors the most?

Financial advisor salaries can vary significantly by state. Some of the top paying states for financial advisors include:

  • Connecticut - The average salary for financial advisors in Connecticut is $154,790. The high salaries likely reflect the state's proximity to New York City and the many high net worth individuals living in Connecticut.
  • Maine - Financial advisors in Maine earn an average salary of $122,030. The state's aging population and demand for retirement planning services contribute to the strong salaries.
  • Rhode Island - With an average salary of $121,030, Rhode Island's small size but high density of high net worth individuals, especially around Providence, leads to healthy compensation for advisors.
  • New York - As a global financial hub, New York offers very lucrative salaries for financial advisors, averaging around $137,880 annually. Many elite firms with high net worth clients are based in New York.
  • New Jersey - Financial advisors in New Jersey make approximately $133,960 on average. The state's high incomes and proximity to major cities like New York likely support the strong salaries.

In general, financial advisor salaries tend to be higher in states and metro areas with higher costs of living and concentrations of high net worth individuals. But even lower cost areas can still offer six figure salaries for experienced advisors with large client bases.

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Breaking Down Finance Salaries by Role in Oregon

Finance professionals in Oregon earn competitive salaries, with financial analysts and advisors as well as accountants and auditors seeing strong compensation. Here's a breakdown of average pay by role.

Financial Analyst and Advisor Salaries in Oregon

  • Entry-level financial analysts in Oregon earn approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per year on average. Those with 3-5 years of experience make around $70,000 to $85,000.
  • Senior financial analysts and consultants with 5+ years of experience average $90,000 to $120,000 in total compensation.
  • Client advisors and account managers earn $60,000 to $90,000 on average depending on experience. More senior client service roles can make up to $150,000.
  • Financial advisors and planners in Oregon tend to make $60,000 to $150,000 depending on book of business and experience level.

Accountant and Auditor Salaries in the Beaver State

  • Staff accountants in Oregon earn approximately $45,000 to $65,000 per year on average.
  • Accountants and auditors with 3-6 years of experience make $65,000 to $85,000 typically.
  • More experienced senior accountants and controllers earn $80,000 to $120,000 on average.
  • Accounting managers and directors of finance take home $100,000 to $150,000 generally.

Compensation Planning for Treasury and FP&A Professionals

  • Corporate financial analysts working in treasury, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and other finance functions earn approximately $70,000 to $120,000 on average in Oregon.
  • Managers and senior managers in these areas make $100,000 to $160,000 generally.
  • Treasurers, finance directors, and VPs of FP&A earn total compensation packages between $150,000 and $250,000 typically.

Salaries vary based on specific role, experience, company size and industry. But Oregon presents solid earning potential for finance and accounting professionals overall.

Influential Factors on Finance Salaries in the Pacific Northwest

Impact of Industry and Firm Type on Compensation

Finance salaries in Oregon can vary significantly depending on the industry and type of firm. Those working in the technology, healthcare, sports, and manufacturing sectors often command higher compensation compared to other industries.

Within similar industries, salaries also differ based on whether the firm is public or private. Professionals at public companies typically earn 10-15% more in base salary due to stricter regulatory requirements and reporting standards. However, private firms may offer greater bonus potential tied to company performance.

For example, a Financial Controller at a publicly traded tech company in Oregon earns an average base salary of $145,000, with bonuses averaging $25,000. By comparison, a Controller at a private manufacturing firm earns around $135,000 in base salary but has bonus eligibility of up to 50% of base pay.

The Role of Credentials in Oregon Finance Salaries

Professional credentials also impact earning potential for finance roles in Oregon. Those with certifications like CPA, CFA, CMA or an MBA can expect to earn 10-15% higher compensation.

For instance, a Treasury Analyst with an MBA and CPA earns approximately $95,000 on average. However, a Treasury Analyst without those credentials averages around $80,000 annually.

The value of credentials also increases with seniority. A Director of FP&A with a CFA can earn $40,000 more than an equally experienced candidate without it. Credentials signal advanced expertise, allowing professionals to command higher salaries.

Experience and Senior Finance Salaries in Oregon

As expected, salaries also rise steadily with experience gained. However, the rate of salary growth depends partly on the finance role.

For example, a Financial Analyst in Oregon sees average pay growth of 5-8% annually during their first 5 years. However, a Financial Advisor's earning potential increases up to 12% yearly as they build up client assets under management.

Higher growth rates continue into senior roles. A Chief Financial Officer with 10+ years of experience earns 55-60% more than an entry-level analyst. At senior levels, proven leadership ability and specialized knowledge drive top-tier salaries.

Dissecting Regional Pay Equity in Oregon's Finance Sector

Portland Metro: A Hub for High Finance Salaries

The Portland metropolitan area, encompassing cities like Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, and Beaverton, offers some of the highest salaries for financial professionals in Oregon. As a major economic hub on the West Coast, the demand and compensation for skilled talent in accounting, financial planning, analysis, and advising tends to outpace other parts of the state.

Some key insights on Portland metro salaries:

  • The average salary for a financial analyst is $68,910 in Portland, nearly 15% higher than the national average according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
  • Senior corporate finance roles like Controllers and Finance Directors at large Portland-based corporations often make well into six-figures, with average pay around $120,000-150,000.
  • Top financial advisory firms and wealth management companies entice top talent by offering salaries between $80,000-$150,000 plus performance bonuses and profit sharing.
  • The abundance of large, prominent employers in banking, investments, insurance, and technology leads to increased competition for financial experts, driving up salaries.

Exploring Salaries Across Diverse Oregon Regions

While Portland offers high finance compensation, salaries vary across Oregon depending on firm size, industry prominence, and local economic conditions.

Here's an overview of average financial role salaries in other key regions:

  • Bend: $60,000-$75,000
  • Eugene: $50,000-$68,000
  • Salem: $55,000-$80,000
  • Medford: $45,000-$65,000

Smaller metros and rural areas struggle to match Portland's high salaries, but lower costs of living can offset lower pay. For example, a $65,000 salary in Medford goes much further in terms of real estate than a $95,000 salary in Portland.

Regional firms also get creative by offering unique benefits and perks, like remote work options, flex scheduling, annual retreats, and profit sharing programs to attract talent without high base salaries.

Overall, Portland sets the high benchmark for finance pay in Oregon, but professionals can still earn competitive wages aligned to lower living costs by targeting positions in the state's smaller metro areas.

Financial planning and analysis salaries in Oregon are likely to see steady growth in the coming years.

Forecasting Financial Planning Salaries in Oregon

Based on current economic conditions in Oregon and national trends, we can expect the following for financial planning salaries over the next 3-5 years:

  • Overall salary growth of 3-5% annually for most financial planning roles
  • Increased demand and higher than average salary growth for data analytics and reporting roles
  • Continued high demand for CPAs and certified financial planners
  • Entry-level salaries rising faster than inflation as talent shortages persist

Some key factors driving continued salary growth include:

  • Strong economic and population growth in Oregon metro areas
  • Shortages of experienced financial planning professionals
  • Increasing complexity of regulations and reporting requirements

However, a potential economic downturn could dampen salary growth rates. Firms may consolidate roles or limit bonuses and pay raises to cut costs.

Economic Indicators and Their Effect on Finance Compensation

If strong economic growth continues over the next few years, finance salaries in Oregon could see above-average growth:

  • Low unemployment and talent shortages will drive up salaries
  • Businesses will have healthy profits to fund larger raises and bonuses
  • Demand for financial experts to support expansion plans and M&A activity

However, a potential recession would slow salary growth:

  • Layoffs, hiring freezes, and cost-cutting would be common
  • Businesses reduce budgets for annual raises and performance bonuses
  • Roles may be consolidated and finance staff expected to take on added duties

Other impacts could include reduced signing bonuses for new hires, smaller or deferred pay increases, and lower starting salaries.

Monitoring key economic indicators can help financial planning pros gauge future trends in Oregon finance compensation and job stability. Being flexible and expanding skillsets during downturns is key.

Essential Strategies for Oregon Finance Professionals

Finance professionals in Oregon have a strong job market with competitive salaries. However, navigating compensation expectations and presenting one's skills effectively is key to maximizing earnings potential. This article explores practical strategies for finance pros in the region.

Developing a Winning Job Description for Finance Roles

When drafting a finance job description, focus on conveying:

  • Key qualifications and technical skills needed for the role, such as financial modeling, data analysis, regulatory compliance, etc. Emphasize proficiencies that match the position's core functions.
  • Any credentials or designations that are required or preferred, like a CPA license, Series 7 certification, or MBA degree.
  • The scope and level of the position - entry-level, manager, director, etc. - and related years of experience.
  • Expected compensation range and bonus structure commensurate with the role and local market rates. Transparency attracts better candidates.
  • Company culture elements that would appeal to top talent, such as remote work options, professional development funding, etc.

Strong job descriptions attract stronger applicants and set clear expectations around skills, duties, and compensation.

Utilizing a Bonus Calculator to Estimate Total Compensation

Bonus calculators help finance professionals estimate their total pay, incorporating base salary plus any variable incentive pay. When considering or negotiating job offers, utilize online bonus calculators to model overall earnings.

Key inputs include base salary, target bonus percentage, and the likelihood of achieving bonus targets based on performance and company budgets. The calculator then outputs total comp value.

For example, a Senior Financial Analyst role with a $100,000 base salary and 15% target bonus could yield $115,000 in total comp if targets are achieved. Bonus calculators provide greater clarity when assessing job offers.

The Role of Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors Inc in Financial Planning

Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors Inc is a fee-only registered investment advisor serving high net worth individuals in Portland and surrounding areas. They take a goals-based approach in crafting customized financial plans for clients.

Services include retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, tax optimization strategies, and other offerings tailored to each client's unique financial situation and objectives. Their compensation model is based entirely on flat or hourly fees, avoiding any commissions or product sales.

Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors Inc and other local RIAs play a key role in providing objective financial guidance to Oregon residents planning for the future. Their fiduciary duty prioritizes client interests above all else.

Conclusion: Synthesizing Insights on Finance Salaries in Oregon

Summarizing the Financial Salary Spectrum in Oregon

The analysis shows that financial salaries in Oregon tend to be slightly below national averages. However, there is significant variance across roles, experience levels, credentials, industries, and regions of the state.

Some key takeaways on Oregon finance salaries:

  • Entry-level financial planning roles average around $45,000, while senior advisors with 10+ years of experience can earn $90,000+
  • Credentials like the CFP can boost salaries by 10-15%
  • Corporate finance salaries tend to be 5-10% higher than at small firms
  • Portland finance salaries are typically 10% above other parts of the state

Overall, while Oregon finance salaries may lag national levels slightly, there remain strong opportunities to earn an attractive living, especially with experience and credentials.

Several finance job areas are poised for strong growth in Oregon over the next 5+ years:

  • Financial Planning: As more Oregonians near retirement, demand for retirement planning advice will surge. Those with the CFP credential will be in highest demand.
  • Corporate Finance: Continued growth in Oregon's technology sector, as well as areas like craft brewing, will drive demand for corporate finance talent skilled in metrics, forecasting, and strategic planning.
  • Sustainable Investing: Oregonians rank among the highest in socially responsible investing interest. Financial advisors well-versed in ESG investing should see robust job prospects.

In summary, while Oregon may not be the highest paying state for financial roles, strategic positioning within growing advisory areas, key industries, and specialized credentials can unlock stronger salary potential.

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