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Associate Financial Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC

Financial Planner

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Assisting associate planners on eMoney and our approach to financial planning. * Additional duties include participation in team projects and assisting with firm initiatives. Qualifications: * CFP ® ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Financial Advisor

San Mateo, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $225K/yr

Dedicated to helping families thrive through comprehensive financial planning, investment ... Mentor and develop Associate Financial Advisors to ensure high-quality client service CLIENT ...

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All JobsAssociate Financial Planner JobsAssociate Financial Planner Jobs in California

Associate Financial Planner information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$82.8K

$111K

How much do associate financial planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate financial planner in California is $82,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate financial planner?

The job duties of an associate financial planner revolve around working to assist and support a more senior financial planner as they offer advice to clients. Your responsibilities in this career may include providing analysis about financial options, using data to make projections, helping the advisor or planner prepare for clients, meeting with clients to get their initial information, and assisting with recommendations. You may need to deal with subjects such as investment portfolio management or retirement planning. You may also perform office administration tasks such as filing paperwork and scheduling appointments.

What does an associate financial planner do?

An Associate Financial Planner supports senior financial planners in creating and implementing financial plans for clients. Their duties typically include gathering and analyzing client financial data, preparing reports, assisting with investment recommendations, and maintaining client records. They also help answer client questions and ensure that all compliance and regulatory requirements are met. This entry-level role is ideal for those starting a career in financial planning and often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a lead financial advisor.

How does an associate financial planner typically collaborate with senior advisors and clients?

Associate Financial Planners often work closely with senior advisors by supporting the development of financial plans, conducting research, and preparing client reports. They may participate in client meetings, take notes, and help implement recommendations under the supervision of a lead planner. This collaboration allows associates to gain valuable mentorship, deepen their understanding of client needs, and build strong communication skills essential for career advancement in financial planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate financial planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Financial Planner, you need a solid grounding in finance, investment principles, and financial planning concepts, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software (such as eMoney or MoneyGuidePro), CRM systems, and progress toward certifications like CFP® is highly valued. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate advice, client trust, and successful collaboration within a financial planning team.

What is the difference between Associate Financial Planner vs Financial Advisor?

AspectAssociate Financial PlannerFinancial Advisor
CertificationsCFP® coursework, licensingCFP®, Series 7, 66/65
Work EnvironmentSupport role, entry-level, team-basedClient-facing, independent or firm-based
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial planning firms, banks, wealth managementIndependent practices, firms, banks

The Associate Financial Planner typically supports senior planners, focusing on research and client prep, often with CFP® coursework. Financial Advisors directly manage client portfolios, provide financial advice, and hold relevant certifications like CFP® and securities licenses. While both roles work within the financial planning industry, the Associate Financial Planner is an entry-level support position, whereas the Financial Advisor is a client-facing role with greater responsibility.

More about Associate Financial Planner jobs

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

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Cities in California with the most Associate Financial Planner job openings:

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Associate Financial Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Financial Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,806 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Associate Financial Planner

Edelman Financial Engines, LLC

Danville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Edelman Financial Engines rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

As an Associate Financial Planner, you'll serve to assist Financial Planners in ensuring client happiness while following all regulatory issues. 

Responsibilities:

  • Performs financial planning analyses for clients including, but not limited to retirement, investments, estate, tax, education funding, real estate, and risk management needs analysis
  • Prepares presentations, research, and supporting materials for client meetings and reviews
  • Conducts assessments of clients and prospects' evolving financial planning needs through proactively taking initiative to uncover new financial planning opportunities
  • Provides reports including minimum distributions, performance, billing, insurance policies, and tax consequences
  • Calculates required minimum distributions, income needs, tax consequences, and contributions/withdrawals
  • Provides high-level contact with clients crafted to maintain and improve the client relationship
  • Maintains a proven understanding of the industry, products, and trends

Requirements:

  • Minimum 1-3 years of financial services industry experience required, specifically in a broker/dealer or registered investment advisor environment
  • FINRA Series 65 Required
  • Bachelor's degree in business or finance; or equivalent proven experience
  • Certified Financial Planner designation preferred
  • Financial Services & insurance sales experience preferred
  • Good understanding of finance and investment markets/securities
  • Attention to detail, ability to coordinate work, and follow-up skills are crucial to the successful performance of position responsibilities
  • Ability to prioritize and address multiple projects and meet deadlines is crucial
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Detailed knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, and Excel is a must

Edelman Financial Engines takes a market-based approach to pay. The expected base salary range for this role nationally is $104,400 to $121,800, with additional annual bonus of 5% plus an incentive on any net new assets referred. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, job-related skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation and benefits, such as a discretionary bonus, health, dental and other wellness plans, and 401(k) contributions.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific benefits eligible for this role during the hiring process.

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