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Financial Planner Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Financial Management Trainee

Dublin, CA · On-site

$25/hr

As a Financial Management Trainee, you will develop a working knowledge and understanding of ... Planning, organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities and meet ...

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Financial Management Trainee

Dublin, CA · On-site

$25/hr

As a Financial Management Trainee, you will develop a working knowledge and understanding of ... Planning, organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities and meet ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Travel may be planned or unplanned and is subject to change without notice Preferred * Associate ... Financial Acumen (understands profit drivers; utilizes metrics to manage; builds the financial ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

Travel may be planned or unplanned and is subject to change without notice Preferred * Associate ... Financial Acumen (understands profit drivers; utilizes metrics to manage; builds the financial ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager Trainee

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

Travel may be planned or unplanned and is subject to change without notice Preferred * Associate ... Financial Acumen (understands profit drivers; utilizes metrics to manage; builds the financial ...

The Buckle

Management Trainee Program

Modesto, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

Buckle

Management Trainee Program

Modesto, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

Buckle LLC

Management Trainee Program

Modesto, CA

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

The Buckle, Inc.

Management Trainee Program

Roseville, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Start planning for the future with traditional and Roth options. Teammates may contribute after ...

Buckle

Management Trainee Program

Roseville, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

Buckle

Management Trainee Program

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

Buckle

Management Trainee Program

Modesto, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

Buckle LLC

Management Trainee Program

Modesto, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Wealth We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and ... Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and ...

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All JobsFinancial Planner JobsFinancial Planner Trainee JobsFinancial Planner Trainee Jobs in California

Financial Planner Trainee information

See California salary details

$35.3K

$91.6K

$144.7K

How much do financial planner trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial planner trainee in California is $91,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $103,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a financial planner trainee?

Financial Planner Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist experienced financial planners and advisors in helping clients manage their finances, investments, and long-term financial goals. They typically undergo training programs to learn about financial products, client relationship management, and regulatory requirements. Their responsibilities may include conducting research, preparing financial plans, and supporting client meetings. Over time, trainees gain the experience and certifications needed to become licensed financial planners or advisors themselves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial planner trainee?

To thrive as a Financial Planner Trainee, you need a solid grasp of financial principles, analytical skills, and a relevant degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Familiarity with financial planning software (like eMoney Advisor or MoneyGuidePro), CRM systems, and pursuing certifications such as CFP® are highly valued. Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills help build trust and understand clients’ needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering tailored financial advice, fostering client relationships, and building a successful planning practice.

What are some common challenges financial planner trainees face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Financial Planner Trainees often encounter challenges such as building a client base from scratch, mastering a wide range of financial products, and staying current with regulatory requirements. To overcome these obstacles, successful trainees frequently leverage mentorship programs, participate in ongoing training, and actively seek networking opportunities within and outside their organization. Open communication with experienced team members and a proactive approach to professional development can significantly ease the transition and set the foundation for long-term growth in the field.

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

AspectFinancial Planner TraineeFinancial Advisor
CertificationsOften pursuing certifications like CFP or similarTypically holds CFP, Series 7, or other licenses
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused roles in financial firmsClient-facing, providing financial advice and planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in firms training future plannersUsed across banks, independent firms, and financial institutions

The main difference is that a Financial Planner Trainee is an entry-level role focused on training and gaining experience, often working towards certifications like CFP. A Financial Advisor is a more experienced professional who provides direct financial advice to clients, often holding relevant licenses and certifications. The trainee role is a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed Financial Advisor.

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

The most popular types of Financial Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Financial Planner Trainee jobs?

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

Financial Planner Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Financial Planner Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,589 per year, or $44 per hour.

Financial Advisor Trainee

Northwestern Mutual

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$176K - $392K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 315 rated insurance

Job description

**Only candidates currently residing in the greater Sacramento area will be considered for this role** Please instead apply to your local office here: https://opportunities.northwesternmutual.com/financial-advisors


Financial Advisor Trainees at Northwestern Mutual come from diverse professional backgrounds including business development, management, athletics, agriculture, education, sales, law enforcement, banking, finance, and more!


We are so confident in our training and development programs that we encourage you to apply and explore this career path even if it's a pivot from your current role or industry!


Begin a Career with:

  • Growth, early leadership tracks, and uncapped earning potential
  • Impact in the lives of your clients through comprehensive financial planning
  • Control over your time and calendar
  • Income potential directly matching your effort and ambition
  • Culture built on exceptional training, support, development, diversity, and fun!


Role Functions:

  • Provide expert guidance to meet the comprehensive financial planning needs of individuals and businesses
  • Provide services including retirement planning, insurance and investment services, estate planning, business planning, education funding, and employee benefits.
  • Understand clients' goals and visions to develop holistic financial solutions that put clients on a path to financial success.
  • Consult with clients on their financial plans (investments, insurance, retirement, taxes, business planning, benefits, etc.)
  • Build and maintain client bases, keep current client financial plans up-to-date and build a portfolio of new clients on an ongoing basis.


Compensation and Benefits:

  • Sales commissions and residual revenues
  • Paid training program
  • Career transition bonuses up to $22,000 in the first six months
  • New-client and client-retention bonuses
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Company-funded retirement package
  • Group life insurance and disability income insurance
  • Sponsorship and payment for investment and insurance licensing (not a prerequisite for hiring)


Average and Top Performer Income:

Average - Top 25%

Year 1 | $64,000 - $148,000

Year 3 | $126,000 - $276,000

Year 5 | $176,000 - $392,000

Year 10 | $388,000 - $872,000

Year 15 | $662,000 - $1.6M


Some of our Accolades Include:

  • Fortune 500 Ranking: 109
  • Top 5 US independent broker-dealer with over $404 billion in AUM
  • Glassdoor 2026 Best Places to Work in Finance, Insurance, and Consulting
  • Forbes America’s Best Insurance Companies, 2026
  • Forbes Best Whole Life Insurance Companies, 2025
  • Forbes Best Employers for New Grads 2025
  • The Wall Street Journal: Best Whole Life Insurance Companies, 2025
  • Fortune "World's Most Admired Companies"
  • Training Magazine APEX Award, 2025
  • Selling Power Magazine “50 Best Companies to Sell For”
  • BusinessWeek Magazine "50 Best Places to Launch a Career"
  • Industry-Leading Financial Strength Ratings (A.M. Best: A++, Fitch Ratings: AAA, Standard & Poor’s: AA+, Moody’s Investors Service: Aaa)


Benefit Details:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Financial planning services
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Matching gift program
  • Paid training
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance


Job Type: Full-time


Work Location: In person

What Northwestern Mutual employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northwestern Mutual logo

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

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