11102 – Financial advisors
Lead statement
Financial advisors counsel individuals on financial decisions such as investments, cash management, and estate planning. They establish personal financial plans according to clients’ objectives and guide them through the implementation of the proposed strategies that may be adjusted as the situation evolve.
Main duties
- Develop personal financial plans for clients covering cash management, finances, insurance coverage, investments, retirement and estate planning, taxes and legal matters
- Analyze clients' financial records, set goals and develop a financial strategy
- Advise clients on implementing the financial plan to help them achieve their goals
- May also arrange for the purchase and sale of financial products and investments depending on the licence held, and monitor the portfolio to ensure its quality and profitability
- May help to expand business and attract new clients.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in business administration, commerce, economics or a related field is usually required.
- The designation Certified Financial Planner, awarded by the Financial Planners Standards Council of Canada, may be required.
- To sell regulated financial products and investments, such as annuities, RRSPs and life insurance, a licence is required from the appropriate governing body.
- Certification as a Financial Planner is required in Quebec.
- Various training programs and courses are offered by financial institutes and organizations, such as the Canadian Securities Institute, Institute of Canadian Bankers, CFA Institute, Investment Funds Institute, Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, and Trust Companies Institute of Canada, and may be required by employers.
Example job titles
account manager · financial advisor · financial consultant · personal investment advisor · personal finance advisor · financial security advisor · banking advisor · investment specialist · wealth advisor · associate financial advisor · associate investment advisor · certified financial planner · personal investment counsellor · personal financial planner · financial planner · financial services consultant · financial services advisor · securities analyst - personal finances · securities counsellor
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $23.91 | $36.06 | $73.08 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.08 | $32.00 | $51.28 |
| Nova Scotia | $23.59 | $31.25 | $51.28 |
| New Brunswick | $22.56 | $33.33 | $64.10 |
| Quebec | $25.00 | $37.00 | $63.19 |
| Ontario | $23.08 | $36.06 | $76.92 |
| Manitoba | $22.31 | $38.00 | $75.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $24.00 | $36.00 | $62.02 |
| Alberta | $23.59 | $39.47 | $101.92 |
| British Columbia | $24.00 | $35.00 | $73.08 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.