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Financial Aid Advisor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Financial Advisor

Corona, CA · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path to ...

Financial Advisor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Corona, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Corona, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Financial Advisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path ...

Showing results 41-60

Financial Aid Advisor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do financial aid advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial aid advisor in Riverside, CA is $23.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges financial aid advisors face when assisting students, and how can they effectively address them?

Financial Aid Advisors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex federal, state, and institutional regulations, and helping students understand their eligibility and options. Advisors must also manage high volumes of inquiries, especially during peak application periods, while maintaining accuracy and compassion. Success in this role depends on strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to explain complicated financial concepts in an accessible way. Advisors frequently collaborate with admissions, bursar, and registrar offices to provide comprehensive support to students.

What does a financial aid advisor do?

A financial aid advisor helps college and graduate students pay for their education. The advisor’s main duties are to assess a student’s financial situation by performing different types of analysis, such as need analysis, and developing an aid package that will help the student pay for school. You also certify federal aid packages and student loans, meet with the students and their families to discuss the details of the package, and provide students advice and assistance whenever they are having issues with their school finances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial aid advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Aid Advisor, you need a solid understanding of financial aid regulations, counseling practices, and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with financial aid management systems like Banner or PowerFAIDS, as well as federal and state aid application processes, is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion set outstanding advisors apart. These skills ensure students receive accurate guidance, support compliance, and foster trust in navigating complex financial aid processes.

What does a financial aid advisor do?

A Financial Aid Advisor helps students and their families understand and navigate the process of applying for financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and student loans. They provide guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), explain eligibility criteria, and advise on the best financial aid options available. Additionally, Financial Aid Advisors answer questions about tuition payment plans, help resolve issues with aid disbursement, and ensure students comply with financial aid regulations.

What is the difference between Financial Aid Advisor vs Financial Aid Counselor?

AspectFinancial Aid AdvisorFinancial Aid Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree; knowledge of financial aid policiesSimilar; often requires a bachelor's degree and familiarity with financial aid regulations
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, student services officesEducational institutions, student support services
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universitiesColleges and universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Financial Aid Advisors and Financial Aid Counselors often perform similar roles within educational institutions, helping students navigate financial aid options. While titles may vary, both roles typically require comparable credentials and work in similar environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by institutions, but their responsibilities and qualifications largely overlap.

What are popular job titles related to Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Aid Advisor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Financial Aid Advisor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Financial Aid Advisor job openings:
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Advisor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,252 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

$61K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 303 rated insurance


Job description

Overview
Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a business where you can help your clients achieve their goals through financial planning. On your path to becoming a financial advisor, you start as a financial representative focused on client-building and obtaining licenses. Our award-winning training programs equip you with the education, skill-building, and development strategies you need to be successful in building a financial planning practice that focuses on:
Planning Experience • Asset & Income Protection • Education Funding • Investment & Advisory Services • Trust Services • Retirement Solutions • Business Needs Analysis
Northwestern Mutual's proprietary planning software helps you educate your clients and deliver holistic financial plans-including investments for growth, insurance for protection, and annuities for guaranteed income in retirement-that helps you have a bigger impact on your clients and community. Becoming a business owner allows you to shape your workday around your life and achieve uncapped earning potential through a performance-based compensation structure.
We believe there's more than one way to start, build, and grow your practice. As an entrepreneur, you can build your business in a way that aligns with your long-term vision and goals like opening an office, joining a sophisticated team, or becoming an advanced advisor.
Responsibilities
As a financial advisor, you will:
  • Grow your client base by making new connections, maintaining a strong referral network, and providing a great client experience
  • Build personalized, holistic financial plans tailored to every client's unique needs
  • Manage your client's financial plans to help them achieve their goals
  • Grow relationships with clients to support them through every stage of life

Training, licensing & designations
Northwestern Mutual has been recognized for maintaining one of the best-trained sales forces in the country. We are committed to your continued training and development throughout your career. That starts with our award-winning curriculum designed to support your first three years in the business. In the program, you'll hear from industry experts, learn the art of client acquisition to drive longevity in the career, and have access to our national network of tenured financial advisors to learn the business through first-hand experience.
To become a financial advisor, you must obtain the following licenses: Life/Accident & Health Certifications, Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), and Series 6, 7, and 63. Northwestern Mutual provides pre-payment/reimbursement* for course tuition fees and books.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Performance-based earnings and revenue1:
    • Average advisor annual earnings of $61K-$119K (based on 2018-2023 company average for representatives in the first 3 years)
    • Top 25% advisor annual earnings of $137K-$250K (based on 2018-2023 company data for top quartile advisors in the first 3 years)
  • Additional income structure to support training and early development
  • Renewal income earned for continued client support and policy management
  • Bonus programs and expense allowances
  • Support for insurance licensing, Securities Industry Essentials®, Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and more
  • Certified Financial Planner® licensing support2
  • Fully company-funded retirement package and pension plan
  • Competitive and comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
  • Life Insurance and Disability Income Insurance
  • Parental benefits at every stage of family planning #LI-Onsite

Qualifications
You could be right for this opportunity if you have:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Entrepreneurial ambitions to be a business owner
  • History of success in relationship-building or client-facing roles
  • Excellent time-management skills
  • Desire for continuous learning and collaboration
  • Proficient critical thinking skills
  • Strong communicator
  • Strong sense of motivation and drive
  • Legal authorization to work in the US without sponsorship

Our Financial Advisors are valued partners and proud business owners. As such, they are considered independent contractors3 for income tax purposes, and a statutory employee for Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax purposes.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.
*Individuals are required to have a minimum of three years of service at Northwestern Mutual to qualify for the designation pre-payment and reimbursement program.
1No level of income is guaranteed. As used here, "revenue" includes exclusively First Year and Renewal Commissions, Bonuses, Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company commissions and fees, Strategic Employee Benefits Services commissions, and Expense Allowances. Data uses average revenue from 2018-2023; included revenue was positive and not equal to 0 and earned by full time, active Financial Representatives producing for the entire year each of the years data was used. First year range is $271.73 - $2,923,976.22. Source: Northwestern Mutual, 2024
2Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
3Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives are Independent Contractors whose income is based on production. If offered to apply for approval of a contract to become a Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative, a national criminal background check is required. Should the background check results provide information which would not allow someone to work for Northwestern Mutual, approval for contract will be withdrawn.
Pay Range
USD $61,000.00 - USD $250,000.00 /Yr.

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About Northwestern Mutual

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US