How to Become a Personal Financial Advisors in California
Personal Financial Advisors in California earn a median salary of $128,650/year, which is 26% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.3%. After taxes and rent, a personal financial advisors takes home approximately $6,137/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a personal financial advisors can afford in California
Becoming a personal financial advisors in California
Meet education requirements
Personal Financial Advisors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many personal financial advisors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for personal financial advisorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 34,070 personal financial advisors. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad.
Personal Financial Advisors salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $158K | $75.73/hr | 8,830 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $128K | $61.73/hr | 2,810 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $128K | $61.72/hr | 320 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $127K | $60.91/hr | 1,420 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $127K | $60.83/hr | 100 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $126K | $60.81/hr | 1,940 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $123K | $59.29/hr | 410 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $122K | $58.62/hr | 12,240 |
| Salinas | $118K | $56.94/hr | 120 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $106K | $50.96/hr | 250 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $106K | $50.76/hr | 160 |
| Napa | $105K | $50.62/hr | 100 |
| Modesto | $104K | $49.87/hr | 130 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $102K | $49.27/hr | 120 |
| Vallejo | $100K | $48.13/hr | 80 |
Personal Financial Advisors salary range in California
Personal Financial Advisors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a personal financial advisors make in California?▼
The median personal financial advisors salary in California is $128,650 per year ($61.85/hr). This is 26% above the national median of $102,140. Salaries range from $65,990 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a personal financial advisors in California?▼
Personal Financial Advisors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a personal financial advisors afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $128,650, a personal financial advisors in California would take home approximately $7,549/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for personal financial advisors in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for personal financial advisors in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($157,510), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($128,400), Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ($128,370). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for personal financial advisors?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.3%. On a $128,650 salary, this means roughly $8,102/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.