Launch Your Financial Advisor
Career in Virginia
Get matched with top broker-dealer firms in Richmond, Arlington, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. No experience required — we provide Series 7 sponsorship, training, and career support.
Why Choose Virginia for Your Financial Advisor Career?
The Old Dominion offers exceptional opportunities for financial professionals — DC metro proximity, military market, and Fortune 500 headquarters.
Virginia Advantage
DC Metro Market
Access to federal employees, government contractors, and high-income professionals
Military Community
Large military population with unique retirement and benefits planning needs
Fortune 500 Hub
Home to Capital One, Markel, and other major financial institutions
Financial Advisor Opportunities by City
Explore career opportunities across Virginia's major metropolitan areas
Richmond
Population: 230K
Top Firms:
Capital One, Markel Corporation, Atlantic Union Bank, Morgan Stanley
Market Highlights:
State capital, Fortune 500 headquarters, banking hub, growing tech sector
Arlington
Population: 238K
Top Firms:
Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, UBS, Wells Fargo Advisors
Market Highlights:
DC metro proximity, federal employee market, high-net-worth clientele, government contractors
Virginia Beach
Population: 450K
Top Firms:
TowneBank, Raymond James, Edward Jones, Ameriprise Financial
Market Highlights:
Military community focus, tourism economy, real estate investment market
Norfolk
Population: 238K
Top Firms:
TowneBank, BB&T (Truist), Wells Fargo, Edward Jones
Market Highlights:
Naval base economy, port logistics, healthcare sector, military retirement planning
Financial Advisor Career Paths in Virginia
Multiple specializations and income trajectories available across the state
Financial Advisor
Comprehensive wealth management for individuals and families across Virginia metro areas
Investment Representative
Securities trading and portfolio management for retail and institutional clients
Wealth Manager
High-net-worth client services specializing in government, military, and corporate wealth
Retirement Specialist
Federal employee benefits, TSP planning, military retirement, and pension strategies
Virginia Licensing Requirements
What you need to become a licensed financial advisor in Virginia
Series 7 License
General Securities Representative exam — required for all financial advisors. Covers equity, debt, options, and regulations.
125 questions • 225 minutes • 72% passing score
Series 66 or Series 63 License
Uniform Combined State Law exam (Series 66) or Uniform Securities Agent State Law (Series 63) — required in Virginia for state registration.
Series 66: 100 questions • 150 minutes • 73% passing score
Virginia State Registration
Register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission through your sponsoring firm's compliance department.
Completed after passing Series 7 and 66/63 exams
We Handle Everything
We match you with a sponsoring firm, provide exam prep materials, schedule your tests, and guide you through Virginia state registration — all at no cost to you.
Virginia Financial Advisor Salary Progression
Typical earnings trajectory from entry-level to senior advisor
Entry Level
Years 1-2 • Building client base
- Base salary + commissions
- Training stipend
- Mentorship support
Mid-Career
Years 3-7 • Established book
- Growing AUM
- Recurring revenue
- Performance bonuses
Senior Level
Years 8+ • Top producer
- High-net-worth clients
- Team leadership
- Equity/ownership
Virginia Financial Advisor Career FAQ
Common questions about starting your career in Virginia
Do I need a college degree to become a financial advisor in Virginia?
No college degree is required to become a licensed financial advisor in Virginia. However, you must pass the Series 7 exam and be sponsored by a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Many firms prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees in finance, business, or economics, but it's not mandatory. We connect candidates of all educational backgrounds with sponsoring firms throughout Virginia.
How much do financial advisors make in Virginia?
Virginia financial advisors earn a median salary of $92,000, with entry-level advisors starting around $52K-$75K and experienced advisors earning $150K-$480K+. Top earners in Arlington and Richmond metro areas can exceed $900K annually. The DC metro area offers particularly high compensation due to the concentration of federal employees and government contractors. Compensation typically includes base salary plus commissions and bonuses.
What licenses do I need to work as a financial advisor in Virginia?
To work as a financial advisor in Virginia, you need: (1) Series 7 license (General Securities Representative), (2) Series 66 license (Uniform Securities Agent State Law and Investment Advisor) or Series 63, and (3) registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Some firms may also require Series 65 for investment advisory services. We help you obtain all required licenses through our sponsoring firms and training programs.
Which Virginia cities have the most financial advisor opportunities?
Arlington and the DC metro area offer the most opportunities due to high concentration of federal employees and government contractors. Richmond has strong demand from Fortune 500 companies and banking sector. Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer growing markets with military and tourism sectors. Other cities with opportunities include Alexandria, Fairfax, and Reston. We have sponsoring firms in all major Virginia metro areas.
How long does it take to become a licensed financial advisor in Virginia?
The typical timeline is 4-8 months from registration to full licensure. This includes: firm matching (2-4 weeks), Series 7 exam prep (2-3 months), passing the exam, Series 66 prep and exam (2-4 weeks), and Virginia state registration (1-2 weeks). Our structured program helps you stay on track and complete the process efficiently.
Is Virginia a good state for financial advisor careers?
Yes — Virginia is an excellent state for financial advisors. Benefits include: proximity to DC federal market (high-income clients), strong job growth (12% projected through 2034), diverse client base across government, military, technology, and finance sectors, competitive salaries especially in Northern Virginia, and 400+ broker-dealer firms operating statewide. Virginia's stable economy and educated population create excellent long-term career prospects.
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