How Much Can Financial Advisors Make at Morgan Stanley?

Financial advisors at Morgan Stanley earn average salaries ranging from $36,000 to $144,500 annually, according to various sources for data on advisor pay. Morgan Stanley offers compensation packages that are commensurate with experience and include base salary, monthly incentives and annual bonuses. Advisors can also earn commissions; compensation is outlined in more detail in the firm’s payout grid. When bonuses and commissions are factored in, the median annual pay for Morgan Stanley advisors climbs to $270,000, though experienced veterans may earn even more.

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Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor Earnings Overview

Earnings information about Morgan Stanley financial advisors from online job postings and employee reviews presents a picture of moderate base pay, but with a great deal of upside potential depending on circumstances.

Here are some examples of what advisors earn at different experience levels and roles. The information below comes from Morgan Stanley’s Careers page, which lists job opportunities across the globe.

In terms of straight salary, Morgan Stanley financial advisors are not much different from the average American worker. The BLS estimates the median worker pay is $64,220, as of April 2026. ⁶ However, with bonuses and commissions added, Morgan Stanley advisors may see much higher incomes overall. The number of years of experience they have, their geographic location and the clientele they serve can all influence earnings.

Earnings reports vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the source. ZipRecruiter data, for instance, shows base pay for new Morgan Stanley financial advisors ranging from $36,000 to $144,500 on average. ⁷ Indeed puts the average salary range at $34,000 to $105,000, while Glassdoor offers a range of $75,000 to $140,000. With bonuses and commissions included, the total median pay climbs to $270,000 annually. ⁸

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Morgan Stanley Broker Pay Details

Morgan Stanley’s 2026 advisor compensation plan ⁹ includes some important changes to deferral rates and its payout grid that affect brokers employed by the firm. Some of the most notable shifts include:

• Reduced withholding of deferred compensation: Under the previous structure, Morgan Stanley withheld 1.5% to 15.5% of broker pay; the new rules allow a withholding of 0.75% to 7.75%.
• Additional payouts for growth: Client account growth are eligible for a payout grid enhancement that would allow them to collect larger bonuses.
• Increased small household thresholds: Morgan Stanley raised the threshold for what qualifies as a small household to $300,000. This follows a 2024 pay grid cut for brokers with households under the $250,000 mark.

Comparing Morgan Stanley financial advisor earnings to typical industry pay, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for financial advisors nationwide is $102,140. ¹⁰ So average advisor salaries at Morgan Stanley appear moderately above the norm, while total compensation for experienced advisors has the potential to be significantly higher.

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Working at Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm that provides investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the firm’s advisory arm and a major employer of financial advisors.

With approximately 15,000 financial advisors and nearly $9.3 trillion in client assets globally, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is one of the largest financial services companies. ¹¹ The wealth management arm was founded in 2009 with headquarters in Purchase, New York, and offices across the country.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, insurance companies and businesses.

Services can include investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, business services and cash management.

Employees give Morgan Stanley decent reviews on job sites, though some cite high pressure to meet performance goals. The company benefits are generally regarded with favor and, according to some reviewers, include free on-site lunches.

Limitations of Morgan Stanley Salary Data

These Morgan Stanley pay estimates come from a combination of official job listings and salary aggregator websites. While they provide a useful guideline for anyone considering applying for work as a financial advisor, they aren’t likely to be perfectly accurate in all situations. Actual advisor compensation can vary considerably.

Differences in experience, client assets, fees, commissions, bonuses, location and current market conditions all can play a role in allowing a candidate to earn more or less than the norm. Holding financial certifications could also make a difference in the salary you command. Morgan Stanley recruiters may be able to verify pay for specific positions and candidates.

Bottom Line

Morgan Stanley advisors can easily earn a six-figure income, though exact earnings can depend on experience, roles and locations. For example, if you’re in a major metro market that caters to high-net-worth clients, you may bring in more money than an advisor in a more rural locale. If you’re ready to begin your career as an advisor, or you’re hoping to trade your current firm for a new one, Morgan Stanley may offer opportunities for advancement and competitive earnings.

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