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Financial Advisor Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Financial Protection and Innovation • Sacramento Office

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $128,650 median (26% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 128,650, Financial Advisors in California earn 26% above the national median of $102,140. California ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$128,650

Hourly estimate

$61.85
26% above national median

Difference: +$26,510

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$65,990
  • P2525th percentile$83,510
  • P50Median$128,650
  • P7575th percentile$198,740
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $128,650
National: $102,140

Total employment: 34,070 | Annual openings: N/A

Financial Advisor Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York167,970
#2Idaho136,440
#3California128,650
#4Delaware128,170
#5New Jersey123,690

Nearby States Comparison

Financial Advisor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$128,650Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$80,190Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$81,940Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$85,150Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Financial Protection and Innovation • Sacramento Office

2101 Arena Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 8662752677

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$105,840Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$96,360Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$118,450Varies by state board6-24 months
Funeral Director$47,170Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in California?

The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in California is 128,650.

How does the Financial Advisor salary in California compare to the national average?

Financial Advisors in California earn 26% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 128,650.

How many Financial Advisors work in California?

California employs approximately 34,070 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Financial Advisors in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Financial Protection and Innovation / Sacramento Office. Review agency details at https://dbo.ca.gov/.