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Paraplanner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Paraplanner

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48 - $72/hr

We are looking to hire an Paraplanner to join our growing team of financial advisors. We offer comprehensive and compassionate financial services, including financial planning, wealth management, and ...

Paraplanner information

See Iowa salary details

$30.1K

$61.5K

$93K

How much do paraplanner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for paraplanner in Iowa is $61,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paraplanner?

A paraplanner works as a junior member of a financial planning team and helps clients develop financial plans to reach their goals. As a paraplanner, your job duties include gathering and reviewing client financial records, modeling possible financial scenarios, and using software to prepare documents with charts, graphs, and other visual aids. You also support financial advisors by helping prepare for meetings, performing research, and making planning recommendations. Some paraplanners work virtually outside of the office.

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

To thrive as a Paraplanner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of financial planning principles, often supported by a relevant degree or financial planning certifications (such as the CFP or equivalent). Familiarity with financial planning software, CRM platforms, and compliance systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, organizational skills, and a collaborative mindset help Paraplanners excel in supporting advisors and clients. These skills ensure accurate financial plan preparation, regulatory compliance, and effective client service within a financial advisory setting.

How does a paraplanner typically collaborate with financial advisors and clients?

Paraplanners play a key support role by preparing financial plans, conducting research, and analyzing client data, which allows financial advisors to focus on strategic client interactions. They often work closely with advisors to clarify client objectives and help ensure that recommendations are tailored to each individual’s financial situation. While paraplanners usually have limited direct contact with clients, they frequently participate in team meetings and may occasionally join client calls to provide technical insights. This collaborative environment helps paraplanners deepen their understanding of financial planning and can pave the way for advancement to advisor roles.

What is the difference between Paraplanner vs Financial Advisor?

AspectParaplannerFinancial Advisor
CertificationsCFP, Diploma in Financial PlanningCFP, Certified Financial Planner, or other licenses
Work EnvironmentSupports financial advisors, prepares reports, researchProvides direct advice to clients, manages portfolios
Industry UsageCommonly employed within financial planning firmsWorks independently or within firms, client-facing

While paraplanners focus on research, report preparation, and supporting financial advisors, financial advisors directly advise clients and manage their financial plans. Both roles often require similar certifications, but their responsibilities and client interaction levels differ significantly.

How much do paraplanners get paid?

Paraplanners typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as the Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning. Senior or specialized paraplanners can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000. The role often requires strong technical skills and familiarity with financial planning software.

Is a paraplanner a good job?

A paraplanner is a financial services professional who prepares financial plans and reports under the supervision of a financial advisor. The role typically requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of financial products, and relevant certifications such as the Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning. It can offer a stable career path with opportunities for advancement in the financial industry.

Is a paraplanner entry level?

A paraplanner role is often considered an entry-level position in financial planning, suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of finance and strong analytical skills. Many employers require relevant certifications such as the Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning and some prior experience or training. Advancement typically involves gaining experience and additional certifications in financial advice and planning tools.

What exactly does a paraplanner do?

A paraplanner supports financial advisors by preparing financial plans, conducting research, and analyzing client data. They typically use financial planning software and must have strong analytical skills and knowledge of regulations. Paraplanners often work in office environments and may pursue certifications like the Certified Paraplanner designation.

What are popular job titles related to Paraplanner jobs in Iowa?

For Paraplanner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paraplanner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,460 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Paraplanner

Trianglefsinc

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$48 - $72/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Triangle Financial Services, Inc., is an independent financial services firm in West Des Moines, Iowa, that is proud of always doing what’s best for our clients and providing outstanding service. We are looking to hire an Paraplanner to join our growing team of financial advisors. We offer comprehensive and compassionate financial services, including financial planning, wealth management, and divorce planning.

We offer competitive benefits, including a flexible schedule, healthcare reimbursement, retirement, life insurance, professional development, charity matching, and paid time off.

The position is full time and based in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The Paraplanner is a collaborative, servant leader member of our team, committed to helping our clients manage maintenance issues and our internal team to deliver excellent customer service and client care. You’ll understand the value of maintaining client financial information, facilitating approved financial plans, and managing projects to completion.

An integral part of our financial planning team, the Paraplanner supports the financial planning team in a way that is collaborative and proactive with a high level of communication and collaboration.

The ideal candidate has an eye for problem-solving and loves contributing to process improvement and the growth of the firm. Our clients will rave about your can-do, professional, and positive attitude. Your team will value your work quality, timeliness, and team spirit.

You are a champion of inclusivity and believe that a deeper understanding of yourself plays an important part of your personal development of skills, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Act as the guardian of all client personal & financial data, ensuring that the CRM and financial management systems are up-to-date and accurate in a timely fashion so that all team members have the latest client information.
  • Prepare financial plans and client reviews by identifying the appropriate financial data, forms, and documents necessary to create financial plan scenarios, conduct financial and investment plan analysis and thorough research, ultimately providing well-thought-through data to support the client decision process.
  • Support the financial planning team by verifying and identifying the financial data needed for financial, investment, and tax planning, coordinating with advisors and clients to gather necessary information for compilation and preparation of client financial plans, annual reviews, and client maintenance.
  • Support the advisors with investment allocations, market updates; review and make recommendations on investment allocation based on risk, needs, and market conditions.
  • As appropriate licensed, take client trade instructions and implement any necessary actions after reviewing with client’s advisor, or another appropriate team member.
  • Primary contact for client maintenance issues on accounts such as distribution requests, death claims, tax withholding, investment and trade instructions.
  • Participate in a weekly team planning meeting, prepared and able to communicate progress on tasks and client assignments.
  • Partner with Advisor in the client plan implementation process by reviewing paperwork for accuracy and ensuring timely completion of implementation items including client actions, deliverables, and execution of all paperwork.
  • Meet personal KPIs for quality, efficiency, completion, communication, and timelines enabling the team to meet client service standards.
  • Support the firm’s business growth, marketing, and client appreciation efforts including events, newsletters, team building, continuing education, and prospecting.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, 2-3 years experience with a financial planning firm
  • Licenses – Series 6 or 7; Series 63 or 66; Life and Health a plus, or ability and drive to obtain within 3-6 months of employment.
  • Proficiency with MSOffice and the ability to learn and become proficient with industry software such as Redtail CRM.
  • Customer service experience handling client questions, inquiries, and resolving problems.
  • Good time management, organization, interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Thrive in a collaborative team environment yet be able to work individually on responsibilities.
  • Able to adjust, improve and adopt new technologies, strategies, or processes.
  • Able to apply feedback from monthly 1-1 meetings to continuously improve performance.
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