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Financial Advisor Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Financial Advisor Trainee information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$47.8K

$68.6K

How much do financial advisor trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial advisor trainee in California is $47,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Financial Advisor Trainee?

A financial advisor trainee is an entry-level employee in a financial services company. The position is similar to an apprenticeship; the trainee works under the supervision of a financial advisor to learn how to determine the client’s needs and objectives for their investments. As a financial advisor trainee, you also cultivate your own client relationships and eventually transition to become a full-time financial advisor. Though you can perform your duties without direct supervision, most companies require you to follow strict guidelines and report to a supervisor during your training period. Financial advisor trainees typically earn a base salary, commission on sales, and performance bonuses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Financial Advisor Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Advisor Trainee, you need a solid understanding of finance principles, analytical skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software, CRM platforms, and progress toward industry certifications like the Series 7 or Series 66 is typical. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to build trust help trainees excel in client-facing situations. These skills are crucial for providing sound financial advice, building client relationships, and achieving long-term success in a competitive industry.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Financial Advisor Trainee during the first year on the job?

As a Financial Advisor Trainee, one of the primary challenges in the first year is building a client base from the ground up, which often involves extensive networking and outreach. Additionally, trainees must quickly learn to balance studying for licensing exams with hands-on client interactions and administrative tasks. Many also find it challenging to adapt to a commission-based or performance-driven compensation structure, which requires strong self-motivation. Support from mentors and ongoing training programs can help new advisors develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

What is the difference between Financial Advisor Trainee vs Financial Advisor?

AspectFinancial Advisor TraineeFinancial Advisor
CertificationsTypically required to pursue certifications like CFP or Series 7Often holds certifications such as CFP, Series 7, or Series 65
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused roles often in financial firms or banksClient-facing, providing financial planning and investment advice
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning and assisting with client portfolios, gaining experienceManaging client portfolios, offering financial advice, and planning

The main difference is that a Financial Advisor Trainee is an entry-level role focused on training and gaining experience, while a Financial Advisor is a fully qualified professional providing financial planning and investment advice to clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Advisor jobs in California? The most popular types of Financial Advisor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Financial Advisor Trainee jobs in California? For Financial Advisor Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Advisor Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Advisor Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Financial Advisor Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Financial Advisor Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Financial Advisor Trainee job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,798 per year, or $23 per hour.

Financial Advisor Trainee (Beverly Hills, CA)

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$49.10K - $60.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary
Fulfills varying tasks and assignments and completes rotations in a range of areas related to financial services, under varying levels of supervision. Develops skills and capabilities that equips the incumbent to move into a specific role in the organization.
Job Description
Job Summary
Through distance learning, apprenticeship and training at the firm's international headquarters, the Advisor Mastery Program (AMP) offers a comprehensive education for the next generation of Raymond James Financial Advisors. The program takes a holistic approach by incorporating training for technical and sales skills to fully position new Advisors for success. In conjunction with a Mentor, Branch Manager, and/or a team of Financial Advisors, the Financial Advisor Trainee will learn to build an individual practice. The Trainee will balance new client development, sales activities, investment management, customer service and compliance with personal and professional growth and development. The Trainee will also provide clients with sound financial advice and counsel consistent with the client's objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. In addition, the requirements of the AMP Program are designed to support long-term development, whether a candidate plans to be a stand-alone Advisor or join an existing team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Become trained and skilled to effectively and efficiently perform the Financial Advisor role:
  • If hired as a team candidate, the team will provide the specific goals and expectations.
  • Meets production targets that impact overall company revenue goals.
  • Develops a book of business consistent with AMP program goals for assets under management and required production.
  • Provides a high level of client service.
  • Manages the full scope of a client relationship by evaluating the client's financial needs, investment opportunities, current holdings and available investment capital.
  • Helps clients identify their investment objectives by effectively communicating portfolio losses when necessary, while preserving client loyalty.
  • Develops client pipeline by prospecting, networking, engaging in community initiatives, centers of influence and developing niches.
  • Recommends investment products, solutions, and services that are suitable for prospects and clients based on predetermined client needs, time horizons, risk profile, and preferences.
  • Seeks expertise of internal resources to identify investment opportunities and solutions for clients.
  • Opens, transfers, and closes customer accounts.
  • Maintains appropriate account records while monitoring the customer's portfolio.
  • Makes recommendations consistent with changes in economic and financial conditions as well as the client's needs and objectives, considering newly offered investments.
  • Obtains and verifies the customer's purchase and sale instructions, enters orders, and follows up on completion of transactions.
  • Completes required program training and assignments, obtains mandatory industry licenses within prescribed timeframes, masters assessments and meets minimum performance and production standards.
  • Stays abreast of investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of
  • Economic and accounting principles and practices.
  • Financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis and reporting.
  • Basic principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services.
  • Firm's working structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.

Skill in
  • Operating client relationship manager system and other required software applications to produce financial plans, correspondence, reports, electronic communication, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Identifying the needs of customers through effective questioning and listening techniques.

Ability to
  • Organize, manage, and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment to run an optimal practice.
  • Continuously learn investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
  • Use appropriate interpersonal styles and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all organizational levels.
  • Keep all appropriate parties up-to-date on decisions, changes, and other relevant information, and articulate reasons behind decisions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
  • Persevere, handle rejection and show resilience during the prospecting and networking process.
  • Network in the community and effectively market him or herself and Raymond James.
  • Demonstrate persistence in the face of obstacles.
  • Accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.

Education/Previous Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university preferred with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant working experience, demonstrating achievement in sales (preferably intangible) or business environment, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training as approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications
  • SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.
  • Series 7 and Series 66 or the ability to obtain them within four (4) months from the start of the program.
  • Life, Health and Variable Annuity or the ability to obtain within six (6) months from the start of the program.

Education
Bachelor's, Bachelor's: Business Administration, Bachelor's: Finance
Work Experience
Certifications
Salary Range
$34,320.00-$75,000.00
Travel
Less than 25%
Workstyle
Resident
At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
• Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
• Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
• Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
• Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm
At Raymond James - as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.