How to Apply at Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group accepts applications exclusively through its online careers portal. Complete each step carefully to ensure your application moves forward without delays.
- Go to careers.principal.com and browse or search for open roles by keyword or location.
- Create an applicant account and complete your professional profile with education and experience.
- Fill out the online application form, including references and disclosure questions.
- Upload your resume, cover letter, and any required professional certifications or licenses.
- Watch for an email from the Principal talent team with next steps, including assessments or interview scheduling.
Principal Financial Group Job Positions & Pay Rates
Principal Financial Group hires across finance, technology, operations, and client services. The table below shows common positions and estimated pay ranges based on industry data.
| Position | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Advisor | $55,000–$110,000/yr + commission | Full-time |
| Retirement Plan Consultant | $60,000–$95,000/yr | Full-time |
| Investment Analyst | $70,000–$115,000/yr | Full-time |
| Underwriter | $55,000–$88,000/yr | Full-time |
| Customer Solutions Rep | $38,000–$55,000/yr | Full-time |
| Software Engineer | $85,000–$135,000/yr | Full-time |
| Compliance Analyst | $62,000–$92,000/yr | Full-time |
| HR Business Partner | $70,000–$105,000/yr | Full-time |
Principal Financial Group Application Requirements
Most Principal Financial Group roles require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Positions in financial advising, securities, or insurance may require FINRA licenses (Series 6, 7, 63, or 65) or active state insurance licensure before the start date. Professional designations such as CFP, CFA, CPA, or ChFC strengthen applications for senior advisory or analyst roles. A thorough background check and a credit history review are standard for all positions that involve client contact, financial transactions, or access to confidential account data.
Principal Financial Group Interview Process
Principal Financial Group typically begins with a recruiter phone screen lasting twenty to thirty minutes, followed by one or two rounds of video or in-person interviews with the hiring manager and team. Behavioral questions using the STAR format are common, focusing on client service, ethical judgment, and problem-solving. Candidates for advisory, analytical, or technology roles may be asked to complete a case study, financial modeling exercise, or coding assessment. Reference checks run concurrently with background screening. Decision timelines typically range from two to five weeks after the final interview round.
Principal Financial Group Employee Benefits
Principal Financial Group offers a comprehensive total-rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, and paid time off that scales with tenure. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, support for professional licensing and certification examination fees, an employee assistance program (EAP), and wellness incentive programs. Parental leave, life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts are also available.
Principal Financial Group Career Development
Principal Financial Group supports long-term employee development through internal mobility programs, structured mentorship, and defined career ladders for both individual contributors and people managers. Employees in advisory or sales roles typically follow a licensing-and-promotion path tied to production milestones, while operations, technology, and compliance staff advance through competency-based performance reviews. Leadership development programs are available for high-potential employees identified through annual talent reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Principal Financial hire recent graduates?
Yes. Principal Financial recruits through campus programs and offers internships and entry-level positions in financial advising, operations, technology, and actuarial science.
What licenses do Principal Financial advisors need?
Registered representatives typically need Series 6 or 7 and Series 63 FINRA licenses. Life and variable insurance licenses are also required for roles involving annuity or life insurance products.
How competitive is the Principal Financial application process?
Competitive roles in investment management and actuarial science receive high application volumes. Relevant internship experience, strong academic records, and professional designations such as CFA or ASA strengthen candidacy considerably.
Does Principal offer a 401(k) match?
Yes. Principal Financial offers a 401(k) with company match as a core benefit, and certain employee groups may also be eligible for defined benefit pension contributions.
Browse more guides in the Financial Services hub, including pages for Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, and Edward Jones.