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Associate Advisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RIA Recruiting

Associate Financial Advisor

Los Gatos, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

We are seeking an experienced, highly ethical, intellectually curious Associate Advisor who can step into a trusted role and relieve the firm principal of at least one significant dimension of the ...

RIA Recruiting

Associate Financial Advisor

Los Gatos, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

We are seeking an experienced, highly ethical, intellectually curious Associate Advisor who can step into a trusted role and relieve the firm principal of at least one significant dimension of the ...

Burton Enright Welch

Advisor

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

The Advisor is not expected to bring in business. Long-term, BEW expects the Advisor to progress to a Lead Advisor, which would include leading Firm initiatives, managing Associate Advisors ...

Brighton Jones

Advisor - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... Associate Advisor to achieve timely execution of intra-day requests with strict timeframes such as trades, wire requests, and journals; initiates these requests and is responsible for reviewing and ...

Burton Enright Welch

Advisor

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

The Advisor is not expected to bring in business. Long-term, BEW expects the Advisor to progress to a Lead Advisor, which would include leading Firm initiatives, managing Associate Advisors ...

Brighton Jones

Advisor - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

... Associate Advisor to achieve timely execution of intra-day requests with strict timeframes such as trades, wire requests, and journals; initiates these requests and is responsible for reviewing and ...

Brighton Jones

Advisor - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... Associate Advisor to achieve timely execution of intra-day requests with strict timeframes such as trades, wire requests, and journals; initiates these requests and is responsible for reviewing and ...

One Degree Advisors

Lead Financial Advisor

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $170K/yr

Contribute to the development of associate advisors * Stay updated and educated on relevant technology resources * Investmentportfolio construction * Basic investment trading Firm Responsibilities

One Degree Advisors

Lead Financial Advisor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Contribute to the development of associate advisors * Stay updated and educated on relevant technology resources * Investment portfolio construction * Basic investment trading Firm Responsibilities

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All JobsAssociate Advisor JobsAssociate Advisor Jobs in California

Associate Advisor information

See California salary details

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$44

How much do associate advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate advisor in California is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate advisor?

An Associate Advisor is an entry- to mid-level professional who assists senior financial advisors or planners in providing financial advice and services to clients. Their responsibilities often include preparing financial plans, conducting research, gathering client information, and supporting client meetings. Associate Advisors typically work toward building their own client base while gaining experience and professional certifications. This role is a common stepping stone to becoming a lead financial advisor or planner.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate advisor?

To thrive as an Associate Advisor, you need a solid understanding of financial planning, investment principles, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and licenses such as Series 7 or 66. Familiarity with financial planning software, CRM systems, and portfolio management tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and attention to detail help build trust with clients and support collaborative team environments. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering sound financial advice, ensuring compliance, and fostering lasting client relationships.

What are some common challenges associate advisors face when transitioning into client-facing responsibilities?

Associate Advisors often encounter challenges when moving into more client-facing roles, such as building trust with clients, navigating complex financial questions, and balancing administrative tasks with relationship management. Gaining confidence in presenting financial strategies and effectively communicating with diverse client personalities can take time. Many firms provide mentorship and ongoing training to help Associate Advisors develop these skills, and successful candidates proactively seek feedback and learning opportunities from senior advisors.

What is the difference between Associate Advisor vs Financial Advisor?

AspectAssociate AdvisorFinancial Advisor
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree; may need licenses like Series 7 or 66Same as Associate Advisor, often with additional certifications like CFP
Work EnvironmentSupport role within financial firms, assisting senior advisorsClient-facing role providing personalized financial planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in financial services firms, banks, and advisory firmsUsed across similar firms, often with more client responsibility
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level roles or career progressionViewed as a more senior or independent role

In summary, an Associate Advisor typically supports senior financial advisors and has similar credentials, but with less client responsibility. A Financial Advisor usually manages client relationships directly and offers comprehensive financial planning. Both roles are essential in the financial industry, with the Associate Advisor often serving as a stepping stone to becoming a Financial Advisor.

What are the most commonly searched types of Advisor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Advisor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Advisor jobs in California?

For Associate Advisor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Advisor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Advisor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Advisor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Advisor job openings:

Associate Advisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Advisor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,235 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Associate Advisor

Destination Wealth Management

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Destination Wealth Management is a rapidly growing Wealth Management firm with an opening for an Associate Advisor to work alongside Lead Advisors in managing client relationships and delivering comprehensive wealth management services.


This role is designed for someone building their technical, client-facing, and advisory capabilities. The Associate Advisor plays an important role in preparing for client meetings, supporting financial planning, coordinating across internal specialists, executing client decisions, and ensuring commitments are carried through to completion.


The Lead Advisor retains responsibility for overall client strategy, material advice, prioritization, and relationship management. As the Associate Advisor develops technical expertise, judgment, and client skills, responsibilities and independence will increase.


Requirements:

Key Responsibilities:

Client & Meeting Support

  • Prepare client meeting materials, agendas, reports, and supporting information.
  • Participate in client meetings and increasingly contribute as experience develops.
  • Document client decisions, commitments, and action items.
  • Handle routine client communications and service requests.
  • Follow up with clients for information, documents, signatures, and outstanding items.
  • Provide backup coverage for Lead Advisors on routine matters.

Financial Planning

  • Gather, organize, and maintain client financial information.
  • Prepare and update financial plans under the direction of the Lead Advisor.
  • Support retirement, cash flow, tax, estate, insurance, and other planning analyses.
  • Coordinate information needed by Financial Planning, Investment, Tax, Estate, and other specialists.
  • Identify missing information, inconsistencies, deadlines, and issues requiring additional review.
  • Support implementation of planning recommendations following client and Lead Advisor approval.

Coordination & Execution

  • Translate client decisions and advisor direction into specific tasks and next steps.
  • Track client requests, planning work, paperwork, and internal deliverables through completion.
  • Maintain accurate client records, meeting notes, tasks, and deadlines.
  • Follow up on outstanding work and escalate delays or unresolved issues.
  • Help ensure recurring client service and planning activities are completed on schedule.

Investment Support

  • Develop and maintain knowledge of the firm's investment approach and client portfolios.
  • Prepare portfolio review materials and related client information.
  • Identify portfolio or client changes requiring review by the Lead Advisor or Investment team.
  • Support implementation and follow-through on approved investment decisions.

What We're Looking For

We recognize that candidates may enter this role at different stages of development. Candidates do not need to have mastered every aspect of wealth management before joining the firm.

  • Approximately 1–5 years of relevant wealth management, financial planning, investment, or related experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, financial planning, economics, business, accounting, or a related field preferred.
  • CFP® certification, progress toward CFP® certification, or interest in pursuing the designation preferred.
  • Foundational knowledge of financial planning and investment concepts appropriate to experience level.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and follow-through.
  • Ability to exercise judgment and recognize when an issue requires additional review or escalation.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with advisors and specialists across multiple disciplines.
  • Experience with financial planning, CRM, portfolio reporting, and Microsoft Office applications is helpful.