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$45

How much do exit planning advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for exit planning advisor in the United States is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Exit Planning Advisors face when working with business owners?

Exit Planning Advisors often encounter challenges such as aligning the interests of multiple stakeholders, navigating sensitive conversations about succession, and addressing gaps in financial or operational readiness. Building trust with business owners is crucial, as many clients may have emotional attachments to their businesses and concerns about confidentiality. Advisors must also stay current with legal, tax, and market trends to provide tailored recommendations and coordinate with other professionals like accountants and attorneys to ensure a smooth transition.

What are the 4 C's of exit planning?

The 4 C's of exit planning are Control, Capital, Confidence, and Continuity. Control involves understanding ownership and decision-making rights; Capital refers to the financial resources needed for transition; Confidence relates to the owner's readiness and mindset; and Continuity ensures the business can operate smoothly after exit. As an Exit Planning Advisor, assessing these areas helps clients develop comprehensive exit strategies.

What is the difference between Exit Planning Advisor vs Business Broker?

AspectExit Planning AdvisorBusiness Broker
CredentialsFinancial certifications, CPA, CFP, or business valuation credentialsReal estate licenses, business brokerage certifications
Work EnvironmentAdvisory firms, financial planning offices, consulting environmentsBusiness brokerage firms, M&A firms, real estate offices
Industry UsageUsed across finance, consulting, and strategic planning sectorsPrimarily in business sales, mergers, and acquisitions

While both roles assist in business transitions, an Exit Planning Advisor focuses on comprehensive exit strategies, including financial and succession planning, whereas a Business Broker specializes in facilitating the sale or transfer of a business. The Advisor provides strategic advice to maximize value, while the Broker handles the transactional process. Understanding these differences helps business owners choose the right professional for their exit needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exit Planning Advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exit Planning Advisor, you need strong financial acumen, strategic business analysis skills, and typically a background in finance, business, or law. Familiarity with financial modeling tools, exit planning software, and certifications such as the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential are valuable. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills set top advisors apart in guiding business owners through complex transitions. These competencies ensure a smooth, value-maximizing business exit that meets client goals and mitigates risks.

How long does it take to become a certified exit planning advisor?

Becoming a certified exit planning advisor typically requires completing a specialized training program, which can take several days to a few weeks, followed by passing a certification exam. The process may also involve gaining relevant experience in business planning or consulting, with some certifications requiring ongoing education to maintain the credential.

What are the 5 D's of exit planning?

The 5 D's of exit planning are Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Diminished value. These factors can significantly impact a business owner's ability to exit smoothly and should be addressed in comprehensive exit strategies. An Exit Planning Advisor considers these elements to help clients prepare for various scenarios and ensure a successful transition.

What is an exit planning advisor?

An exit planning advisor is a professional who helps business owners develop strategies for smoothly transitioning ownership, whether through sale, succession, or closure. They analyze business value, identify potential buyers or successors, and often use tools like financial modeling to ensure a successful exit. This role requires strong strategic, financial, and communication skills.
What cities are hiring for Exit Planning Advisor jobs? Cities with the most Exit Planning Advisor job openings:
Infographic showing various Exit Planning Advisor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Business Consultant, Exit Advisor (IL)

Exit Factor

Elgin, IL • On-site

$100 - $400/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Business Consultant & Exit Advisor (1099)Exit Factor of Western ChicagolandHelp Business Owners Maximize Value. Build Your Own Book of Business.

Exit Factor of Western Chicagoland is seeking experienced professionals who want to turn their business expertise into meaningful consulting work. We help business owners increase profitability, improve operations, and build companies that are more valuable, transferable, and less dependent on the owner.

If you excel in business development, building trust, leading business conversations, and serving as a strategic advisor to business owners, this could be an excellent next chapter of your career.

Note: Due to the community focus of this role, applicants must live in Chicago's western suburbs to be considered for this role.

What Is Exit Factor?

Exit Factor is a business consulting firm. Our passion is helping small to medium-sized businesses increase their profit, efficiency, and value of their business to prepare for the sale of the company in the future. We do this through business valuations, 1:1 consulting, business partner concierge, education and group programs. We work with companies up to $30 million in revenue across the United States in various industries.

Exit Factor of Chicagoland is a small locally-owned office that is part of a larger global organization. Therefore, we have the feel of a small business with the resources of a multinational company.

About the Role

This is a relationship-driven consulting role that blends business development, advisory work, and client management.

You will:

  • Build relationships with business owners and referral partners in the local community
  • Meet with prospective clients to understand their goals and identify opportunities to help
  • Convert qualified prospects into consulting clients
  • Lead 1:1 consulting sessions using the Exit Factor framework
  • Help clients improve profitability, efficiency, systems, and business value
  • Provide accountability, strategic guidance, and access to additional resources
  • Partner closely with office owners to deliver a strong client experience
Who Thrives in This Role

This is not an entry-level position. It is best suited for professionals with real business experience and strong executive presence.

Strong candidates often come from backgrounds such as:

  • Business owner or exited entrepreneur
  • Executive or operator
  • Consultant or advisor
  • CPA, CFO, or financial services leader
  • Sales leader or business development professional
  • Self-funded searchers
  • Fractional executive or growth leader

You will do well here if you:

  • Build trust quickly and naturally
  • Communicate with confidence
  • Enjoy strategy and growth conversations
  • Are comfortable discussing financials and trade-offs
  • Like networking, prospecting, and creating opportunities
  • Work well independently
  • Want income tied to performance and results
Why Join Now

This role gives you the chance to build a respected consulting practice while doing work that matters.

The need for exit planning and value-growth advisory is increasing as more business owners begin thinking about retirement, succession, sale, or long-term wealth planning. Many owners have significant wealth tied up in their business but are unprepared for transition. Trusted advisors who can help solve that problem are in demand.

As the demand for exit planning grows, so does the Exit Factor brand. Exit Factor is the leading exit planning firm. We are experiencing rapid growth throughout the US and now internationally in the UK, Japan and Australia. Exit Factor was founded by author, thought leader and seasoned business broker Jessica Fialkovich.

Compensation & Flexibility
  • 1099 independent contractor role
  • Uncapped, commission-based compensation
  • Revenue share on client accounts you manage
  • High income potential for active consultants
  • Flexible schedule with part-time or full-time potential
  • A mix of remote and in-person work, arranged on your schedule
  • Build a book of business that can grow over time
Training & Support

You will not be starting from scratch. We provide:

  • Training, onboarding and certification
  • Proven consulting frameworks and tools
  • Ongoing coaching and continuing education
  • Technology systems, marketing and operational support
  • Collaboration with local ownership and the Exit Factor network
This Role May Not Be for You If You Want
  • A fixed salary or hourly wage
  • Heavy supervision or rigid structure
  • A purely internal role with no client-facing work
  • A position without networking or business development responsibilities
  • A beginner-level role to learn basic business fundamentals
Ready to Learn More?

If you're ready to use your experience to help business owners build stronger companies, and build something meaningful for yourself, we'd like to hear from you. Apply now!