Finance is one of the most well-paying fields in the US. But salaries vary a lot depending on the role you’re in.
Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000–$80,000 a year. Senior and executive roles can easily push past $200,000. And some specialized positions can go well into the millions.
So what do finance jobs pay, really? The short answer is: it depends.
Your role, experience, location, and the industry you work in all play a part. A financial analyst at a mid-size firm earns very differently from a hedge fund manager or a CFO at a Fortune 500 company.
Even within the same job title, pay can swing significantly based on where you’re based and who you work for.
In this guide, we’ll break down salaries by job title, experience level, and the key factors that move your paycheck higher.
Average Finance Job Salary in the US
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $80,920 as of May 2024. That’s nearly double the national median of $49,500 across all jobs.
Here’s a clearer picture of how pay breaks down across the sector:
- Typical range: Most finance professionals earn between $73,000 and $137,000 per year.
- Top earners: Those in senior or specialized roles regularly bring in $180,000 or more.
- Entry point: Many roles start between $55,000 and $80,000, depending on the title and location.
- Bonus potential: In fields like investment banking and asset management, bonuses can significantly boost total pay.
Your specific job title matters most. A staff accountant and an investment banker are both in finance, but their pay looks very different. Your experience, employer size, and location also play a role.
Finance careers offer strong growth potential, too. Employment in financial occupations is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
Finance Salaries by Job Role
Finance covers a wide range of roles, and so does the pay. Here’s a look at what each position typically earns and the skills that get you there.
1. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts study market trends, interpret data, and help businesses make smart investment decisions. You’ll find them in banks, corporations, consulting firms, and insurance companies. It’s one of the most common entry points into the finance world.
Average salary: $76,880–$129,970 (BLS)
Key skills: Financial modeling, Excel, data analysis, forecasting
2. Investment Banker
Investment bankers help companies raise capital and execute mergers and acquisitions. It’s one of the most demanding and highest-paying roles in finance. Long hours come with the territory, but so does serious compensation.
Average salary: $150,000–$225,000+ (total comp including bonuses)
Key skills: Financial modeling, deal structuring, valuation, high-pressure communication
3. Accountant
Accountants prepare financial statements, manage tax compliance, and keep an organization’s finances clean and accurate. CPAs tend to earn more and have broader career options.
Average salary: $81,680 (BLS median)
Key skills: GAAP, tax law, auditing, bookkeeping, CPA certification preferred
4. Financial Advisor
Financial advisors help individuals and families plan investments, retirement, and overall financial goals. Earnings often depend heavily on the client base and the commission structure.
Average salary: $75,000–$135,000
Key skills: Portfolio planning, retirement strategy, client relationships, CFP certification
5. Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate finance managers oversee budgets, financial planning, and reporting within a company. They connect day-to-day accounting with executive-level financial strategy.
Average salary: $100,000–$160,000
Key skills: Budgeting, FP&A, leadership, strategic forecasting
6. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The CFO is the top financial executive in a company. They oversee cash flow, risk, investor relations, and long-term strategy. Pay varies widely based on company size and industry.
Average salary: $195,000–$297,500+ depending on company revenue
Key skills: Executive leadership, strategic planning, financial oversight, stakeholder communication
7. Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers make investment decisions on behalf of clients or institutions. They manage stocks, bonds, and other assets to hit performance targets while keeping risk in check.
Average salary: $104,000–$155,000 base; higher with performance bonuses
Key skills: Investment strategy, risk assessment, CFA certification, asset allocation
8. Risk Manager
Risk managers identify and evaluate financial threats to an organization. That includes market shifts, credit exposure, and operational gaps. It’s a specialized role with growing demand.
Average salary: $90,000–$140,000
Key skills: Risk modeling, regulatory compliance, analytical thinking, FRM certification
9. Credit Analyst
Credit analysts assess whether individuals or businesses qualify for loans. They work at banks, credit rating agencies, and investment firms.
Average salary: $60,000–$95,000
Key skills: Financial statement analysis, credit risk assessment, underwriting
10. Private Equity Associate
Private equity associates work at firms that buy, restructure, and grow companies for profit. It’s a competitive and highly lucrative path that usually requires prior investment banking experience.
Average salary: $150,000–$250,000+ (including bonuses and carry)
Key skills: LBO modeling, due diligence, deal execution, financial analysis
11. Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge fund managers run actively managed investment funds that use sophisticated strategies to generate returns above the market. Compensation here is among the highest in finance and also the most variable.
Average salary: $192,000+ base; total comp can reach $500,000–$1M+ depending on fund performance
Key skills: Quantitative analysis, portfolio management, risk management, macroeconomic insight
Salary Growth by Experience Level in Finance Jobs
One of the biggest drivers of pay in finance is how long you’ve been in the field. The longer you stay, and the more you grow, the more your salary reflects it.
Entry-level roles offer solid starting pay. The real income jump occurs at the mid-career stage, especially when certifications or management responsibilities the introduced.
Senior and executive roles are a different tier entirely, with bonuses that can rival or exceed base salary.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–3 years) | $55,000–$85,000 | Junior Analyst, Staff Accountant, Credit Analyst |
| Mid-Level (3–8 years) | $90,000–$150,000 | Senior Analyst, Finance Manager, Portfolio Associate |
| Senior/Executive (8+ years) | $160,000–$500,000+ | CFO, Investment Director, Hedge Fund Manager, PE Partner |
In hedge funds and private equity, the gap between base salary and total compensation is even wider.
Entry-Level Finance Jobs
Starting out in finance typically means earning between $55,000 and $85,000 a year.
Roles such as junior analyst, staff accountant, or credit analyst fall in this range. Getting a CPA or CFA early on can push your starting offer toward the higher end.
Mid-Level Finance Careers
After a few years, salaries in the $90,000–$150,000 range become realistic. Professionals often move into senior analyst roles, finance manager positions, or specialized tracks like FP&A or risk management.
An MBA or CFA also starts making a measurable difference in pay at this stage.
Senior-Level and Executive Roles
Senior finance professionals occupy a higher pay tier. Base salaries often exceed $160,000. When bonuses, equity, and profit-sharing are factored in, total compensation can run well into the six- and seven-figure range.
In investment banking and alternative investments, that ceiling essentially doesn’t exist.
Key Factors That Affect Finance Salaries
Knowing what roles pay is only half the picture. These are the factors that can increase or decrease your salary.
1. Education and Certifications
A bachelor’s degree is the standard entry point. Professionals with an MBA earn 10–15% more on average than those with only an undergraduate degree.
Certifications like the CFA, CPA, and CFP can add another 6–10% to annual pay. For many senior roles, these credentials are expected, not optional.
2. Industry and Employer Type
Finance professionals in energy, investment banking, and private equity consistently earn more than those in government or nonprofit roles.
Working for a larger firm also tends to mean higher pay, bigger bonuses, and better benefits overall.
3. Location and Cost of Living
Finance hubs like New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago offer higher salaries than the national average. A financial analyst in New York or Stamford, CT can earn $148,000–$159,000 a year.
That said, higher pay in these cities usually comes with a higher cost of living. Always compare purchasing power, not just the number on the offer letter.
4. Bonuses and Performance Pay
In many finance roles, base salary is only part of your total compensation. Bonuses are a major factor, especially in investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds.
Performance pay is one of the main reasons top earners in finance pull ahead of peers with the same title.
Conclusion
Finance jobs pay well, and for good reason. The field demands strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a high level of accountability.
At the entry level, you’re looking at $55,000–$85,000. Mid-level roles bring $100,000–$150,000 within reach. At the senior or executive tier, the ceiling climbs well past $200,000, and in investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds, it goes even higher.
Your role is the starting point, but experience, credentials, industry, and location all shape the final number.
Finance rewards growth. The more you invest in your skills and career, the more your paycheck reflects it.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, knowing what the market pays is the first step to getting what you deserve.
