Financial analyst salary is one of the common salary searches for people looking to build a career in finance, banking, investment, business, and corporate finance. In the United States, a financial analyst can earn a good salary, but the actual pay can change a lot depending on experience, location, industry, company size, education, and the type of financial analyst job. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that financial analysts had a median annual wage of $103,570 in May 2025, which is more than double the median wage for all occupations in the country. Financial and investment analysts had a median annual wage of $102,740. Entry-level financial analysts normally start lower, while senior financial analysts and analysts working in investment firms, securities, and other high-paying finance industries can earn well above $100,000 a year.
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How Much Does a Financial Analyst Make in the USA?
So, how much does a financial analyst make in the United States? There is not one fixed salary for every person in this job. The national median gives a useful starting point, but real salary offers can be lower or much higher depending on the job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for financial analysts was $103,570 in May 2025. The median means half of workers earned more than this amount and half earned less. For financial and investment analysts specifically, the median annual wage was $102,740. The lowest 10 percent of financial and investment analysts earned less than $63,720, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $180,860.
This makes financial analyst a relatively strong-paying finance career in the USA. However, people should not expect to start at the national median salary immediately after college. Entry-level financial analyst salary is usually lower, and the salary can increase as the worker gets more experience and takes on more responsibility.
Financial Analyst Salary at a Glance
- Median financial analyst salary: $103,570 per year
- Financial and investment analyst median salary: $102,740 per year
- Top 10% of financial and investment analysts: More than $180,860 per year
- Lowest 10%: Less than $63,720 per year
- Typical education: Bachelor's degree
- Projected job growth: 7% from 2025 to 2035
- Projected annual openings: About 29,500 for financial analysts
These numbers are national figures. Your actual financial analyst salary can be very different when you compare states, cities, industries, and experience levels.
Financial Analyst Salary by State
Location can make a big difference in financial analyst pay. Finance jobs in large financial markets and major business centers often have higher salaries, but the cost of living can also be much higher. New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and some other states have strong financial and corporate markets and generally show higher pay for financial and investment analysts.
The table below shows median annual salary by state using BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2024. A few states may have suppressed wage data because the number of workers or available data was not enough for BLS to publish a reliable figure.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $84,950 |
| Alaska | $91,680 |
| Arizona | $88,190 |
| Arkansas | $78,840 |
| California | $111,100 |
| Colorado | $99,200 |
| Connecticut | $106,250 |
| Delaware | $99,170 |
| Florida | $83,560 |
| Georgia | $91,850 |
| Hawaii | $86,100 |
| Idaho | $88,730 |
| Illinois | $97,860 |
| Indiana | $80,420 |
| Iowa | $88,940 |
| Kansas | $82,070 |
| Kentucky | $75,260 |
| Louisiana | $60,870 |
| Maine | $87,470 |
| Maryland | $98,740 |
| Massachusetts | $107,610 |
| Michigan | $90,400 |
| Minnesota | $102,800 |
| Mississippi | $77,520 |
| Missouri | $88,400 |
| Montana | $89,850 |
| Nebraska | $82,700 |
| Nevada | $81,060 |
| New Hampshire | $91,150 |
| New Jersey | $109,380 |
| New Mexico | $79,150 |
| New York | $126,580 |
| North Carolina | $94,390 |
| North Dakota | $75,000 |
| Ohio | $93,690 |
| Oklahoma | $80,210 |
| Oregon | $107,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,360 |
| Rhode Island | $84,800 |
| South Carolina | $89,850 |
| South Dakota | Not Published |
| Tennessee | $86,580 |
| Texas | $95,650 |
| Utah | $96,190 |
| Vermont | $89,150 |
| Virginia | $104,030 |
| Washington | $98,420 |
| West Virginia | $72,550 |
| Wisconsin | $88,230 |
| Wyoming | $213,940 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Financial and Investment Analysts, May 2024. State wages are median annual wages. BLS may suppress data for some states when estimates do not meet publication standards.
Highest Paying States for Financial Analysts
If you are searching for the highest paying state for financial analysts, New York is one of the most important markets to look at because of its huge financial services industry. In the May 2024 data, New York had a median annual wage of $126,580 for financial and investment analysts. California followed at $111,100, while New Jersey was at $109,380. Oregon and Massachusetts were also above $107,000 in median annual pay.
Wyoming appears at the top of the state table with a very high median wage of $213,940. But this number should be looked at carefully. Only around 220 financial and investment analysts were reported in Wyoming in the BLS May 2024 data, so a small employment base can create a very high or unusual median. It does not mean that every financial analyst in Wyoming will actually receive more than $200,000.
- Wyoming – $213,940 median salary
- New York – $126,580
- California – $111,100
- New Jersey – $109,380
- Oregon – $107,680
- Massachusetts – $107,610
- District of Columbia – $106,840
- Connecticut – $106,250
- Virginia – $104,030
- Minnesota – $102,800
Financial Analyst Salary Per Year
When people search for financial analyst salary per year, they are usually trying to understand what they can expect as a yearly income. The BLS median for financial analysts was $103,570 per year in May 2025. This is a median, not a guaranteed salary. Some workers earn much less than this, especially in junior positions, while experienced professionals can earn considerably more.
Annual pay can also include more than the basic salary in some finance jobs. Bonuses, performance incentives and other compensation may be offered by employers, especially in investment-related positions. This means two financial analysts with the same job title may have different total earnings even if their base salary looks similar.
Financial Analyst Salary Per Hour
The financial analyst salary per hour can be useful for comparing this career with other business and finance jobs. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $103,570 for financial analysts in 2025, which is roughly equal to about $49.79 per hour when converted using a standard full-time work year.
Hourly pay is mainly a salary comparison and does not mean every financial analyst is paid by the hour. Most financial analysts are salaried employees and work full time. Some may also work more than 40 hours per week, especially during busy reporting periods, financial planning cycles, transactions or important deadlines.
Financial Analyst Salary Per Month
Another common search is financial analyst salary per month. If we simply divide the BLS median annual salary of $103,570 by 12 months, it comes to about $8,631 per month before taxes. This is only a simple monthly calculation and not the exact amount a worker will receive in a paycheck.
Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions. A financial analyst working in a state with a high salary may also have higher living costs, so monthly salary should always be compared with the local cost of living.
Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary
An entry level financial analyst salary is usually lower than the national median because new graduates are still learning how financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting and investment analysis work in a real company. Many entry-level financial analysts start their career with a bachelor's degree and then build their salary through experience.
There is no single BLS salary number called "entry level financial analyst salary" because entry-level pay can change based on location, company, industry and job title. A junior financial analyst working for a small company may start at a much lower salary than a new analyst hired by a large bank or investment company.
For someone just starting, a salary in the $60,000 to $80,000 range can be seen in many markets, while jobs in major financial centers or highly competitive industries can offer more. Bonuses and other compensation may also increase total earnings.
- Junior Financial Analyst
- Financial Analyst I
- FP&A Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Corporate Finance Analyst
- Credit Analyst
The first few years are important because financial analysts normally become more valuable when they can work independently, explain financial results clearly and make useful recommendations to management.
Financial Analyst Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the biggest factors that can affect a financial analyst salary. A person who has only recently graduated will normally earn less than an analyst who has several years of experience. As analysts learn advanced financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, valuation and business strategy, they can move into higher-paying positions.
There is no fixed salary increase after every year of experience. Some people receive only small raises, while others move to a new company or a higher-level position and see a much bigger increase.
- 0–2 years: Usually junior or entry-level financial analyst roles.
- 2–5 years: Analysts often take more responsibility and may move into Financial Analyst II or similar positions.
- 5–10 years: Experienced analysts may become senior financial analysts, FP&A managers or specialized analysts.
- 10+ years: Some professionals move into finance manager, director, investment management or other leadership roles.
The BLS reports that financial and investment analysts had a median annual wage of $102,740 in May 2025. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $180,860. This shows the large earning range that can develop as people progress in the finance field.
Senior Financial Analyst Salary
A senior financial analyst usually handles more complicated financial work than a junior analyst. They may prepare forecasts, review financial models, work with company leaders, explain business performance and help make important financial decisions.
Because senior analysts have more responsibility, their salary is normally higher than entry-level financial analyst pay. However, the exact senior financial analyst salary depends heavily on the employer and location.
Senior analysts working for investment firms, large corporations, technology companies and financial services companies can have strong compensation packages. In some organizations, bonuses can become an important part of total compensation.
- Advanced financial modeling
- Budget planning and forecasting
- Investment research
- Financial reporting
- Business performance analysis
- Presenting financial information to executives
- Training or guiding junior analysts
Financial Analyst Salary by Industry
The industry where a financial analyst works can have a big impact on salary. A financial analyst at an investment company may have a different salary structure than an analyst working in insurance, corporate finance or professional services.
According to the latest BLS data, financial and investment analysts working in securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities had a median annual wage of $124,370 in May 2025. Analysts in management of companies and enterprises had a median of $101,760, while professional, scientific and technical services had a median of $101,540.
| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Securities, commodity contracts and financial investments | $124,370 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $101,760 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | $101,540 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | $100,120 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | $95,830 |
This is one reason why two people with the same financial analyst title can have very different salaries. The industry, company and type of financial work all matter.
Financial Analyst Salary in Banking and Investment Firms
Banking and investment firms are some of the industries that attract people who want a higher financial analyst salary. Analysts in these companies may study financial markets, companies, securities, investment opportunities and business performance.
Investment-related jobs can also have bonus opportunities. In a good year, total compensation may be much higher than the basic salary. But these jobs can also be demanding, and some financial analysts work more than 40 hours a week.
The BLS says most financial analysts work full time and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Financial Analyst Salary in Corporate Finance
Corporate finance is another common career path for financial analysts. Corporate financial analysts usually work inside a company rather than directly researching investments for outside clients.
Their work can include budgeting, forecasting, analyzing company expenses, reviewing revenue, preparing financial reports and helping management understand future financial performance.
- Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
- Annual budgeting
- Revenue forecasting
- Expense analysis
- Financial reporting
- Business performance tracking
- Long-term financial planning
Corporate finance can provide a more predictable career path for some workers. An analyst may progress from Financial Analyst to Senior Financial Analyst, Finance Manager and eventually Director or Vice President-level finance positions.
What Does a Financial Analyst Do?
Financial analysts research and evaluate financial information to help businesses and investors make better decisions. Their work is not only about numbers. They also need to understand what those numbers mean for a company, investment or business decision.
A financial analyst may spend a large part of the day working with spreadsheets, financial models, company reports and databases. They may also attend meetings and explain their findings to managers or clients.
- Research financial and business information
- Analyze company financial statements
- Prepare financial forecasts
- Build and update financial models
- Study investment opportunities
- Monitor business performance
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Give financial recommendations
- Track economic and market trends
The exact duties depend on the type of analyst job. An investment analyst may spend more time studying companies and securities, while an FP&A analyst may focus more on budgets, forecasts and internal business performance.
How to Become a Financial Analyst
Most financial analysts enter the profession with a bachelor's degree. Common degree subjects include finance, accounting, economics, business and related fields. A strong education in mathematics, statistics, economics and financial analysis can help when applying for jobs.
The BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for financial and investment analysts.
Education is only one part of getting a financial analyst job. Employers also look for practical skills. An applicant who understands Excel, financial statements, forecasting and financial modeling can have an advantage over someone who only has classroom knowledge.
Skills That Can Increase a Financial Analyst Salary
A financial analyst needs a combination of finance knowledge, technical skills and communication skills. Salary growth is not only about having more years on a resume. Being able to handle difficult analysis and explain the result to decision makers can also help a professional move into better positions.
- Financial modeling
- Advanced Excel
- Data analysis
- Financial forecasting
- Accounting knowledge
- Budgeting and planning
- Investment analysis
- Business intelligence tools
- SQL and data skills
- Strong written communication
- Presentation skills
- Problem solving and critical thinking
Does a Financial Analyst Need a CFA?
A CFA certification is not required for every financial analyst job. Some employers may value the Chartered Financial Analyst credential, especially for investment research, portfolio management and other investment-related careers.
For a person working in corporate finance or FP&A, practical experience, financial modeling, accounting knowledge and business skills may be more important for the specific job. So getting a CFA should depend on the career path rather than assuming it is required for every financial analyst.
Financial Analyst Salary With a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is the normal education requirement for entering this career. Common majors include finance, economics, accounting, business administration and related subjects.
A degree can help a candidate qualify for entry-level positions, but it does not guarantee a specific salary. The first salary offer depends on the company, location, industry, internship experience and skills of the applicant.
Students who complete internships in finance, banking, investment research or corporate finance can also gain practical experience before graduation. This can make the transition from college to a full-time financial analyst job easier.
Is Financial Analyst a Good Career in the USA?
For people who enjoy finance, numbers, business and problem solving, financial analyst can be a strong career choice. The pay is above the overall U.S. median wage, and the occupation is expected to grow faster than average.
The BLS projects financial analyst employment to grow by 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Around 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year on average during that period.
The career can also lead to other finance positions. After gaining experience, some financial analysts move into finance management, investment management, corporate strategy, risk management or other senior business roles.
What Factors Affect Financial Analyst Salary?
Financial analyst salary in the USA can be different for every person. Two analysts may have the same job title but their pay can still be very different. This happens because employers look at many things when setting a salary. Experience is important, but it is not the only thing that matters.
- Work experience: More years of relevant experience can help an analyst qualify for higher-level jobs.
- Location: Financial analysts in major business and financial markets can earn higher salaries.
- Industry: Investment and securities jobs can have higher pay than some other finance positions.
- Education: A bachelor's degree is normally required to enter the occupation.
- Technical skills: Financial modeling, Excel, data analysis and other technical skills can help with career growth.
- Company size: Large companies may have higher salary ranges and more structured career levels.
- Job responsibilities: Analysts handling more complex work normally have higher earning potential.
- Performance: Strong performance can help employees receive raises, bonuses or promotions.
Because of these factors, there is no single financial analyst salary that applies to everyone. A person should look at the complete job offer instead of comparing only the base salary.
Financial Analyst Salary by Location
Location is one of the most noticeable differences in financial analyst pay. Major financial centers have a large number of banks, investment companies, insurance companies, corporate headquarters and financial services firms. These employers create strong demand for people who can analyze financial information.
New York is a good example. Financial analysts working there can earn substantially more than analysts in many lower-paying states. California and New Jersey also have large business markets where experienced financial professionals can find higher-paying opportunities.
But a higher salary does not always mean a better financial situation. Housing, transportation, taxes and other living expenses can be much higher in major cities. A financial analyst earning $110,000 in an expensive city may not have the same spending power as someone earning $90,000 in a lower-cost area.
Financial Analyst Salary in New York
New York is one of the most important locations for finance careers in the USA. The state is home to a very large financial services industry, including investment firms, banks, insurance companies and other businesses.
The May 2024 BLS state data showed a median annual salary of $126,580 for financial and investment analysts in New York. This is considerably higher than the national median for the occupation.
Analysts working in New York City may also have opportunities to earn bonuses and other compensation, particularly in investment-related jobs. However, competition for these positions can be strong and living costs are also high.
Financial Analyst Salary in California
California is another major state for financial analysts. The state has a large technology industry, financial services sector, investment companies and many large corporations.
The median annual salary for financial and investment analysts in California was $111,100 in the May 2024 BLS data. Experienced professionals in specialized finance roles may earn more depending on their employer and responsibilities.
California also has some of the highest living costs in the country, especially in major metropolitan areas. So salary should be compared with local housing and other expenses before deciding where to work.
Financial Analyst Salary in Texas
Texas has a large and diverse business economy, making it another important market for financial analysts. Houston, Dallas and other large cities have companies in energy, banking, technology, healthcare, manufacturing and many other industries.
The May 2024 state data showed a median annual salary of $95,650 for financial and investment analysts in Texas. The state can be attractive to finance professionals because it has major business centers and, depending on the location, living costs may be lower than some of the largest coastal markets.
Financial Analyst Salary in Florida
Florida has a growing business and financial services market. Financial analysts can find jobs in banking, investment services, insurance, healthcare companies and corporate finance departments.
The median annual salary reported for financial and investment analysts in Florida was $83,560 in the May 2024 data. Actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on the city, employer and level of experience.
Financial Analyst Bonus and Total Compensation
Base salary is only one part of compensation for some financial analysts. Depending on the employer, a worker may also receive an annual bonus, performance incentive, retirement benefits, health insurance and other benefits.
Bonuses can be especially important in investment and financial services positions. A person comparing two financial analyst jobs should therefore look at the complete compensation package instead of only the advertised salary.
- Base annual salary
- Annual performance bonus
- Signing bonus, when offered
- 401(k) or retirement contributions
- Health and dental insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Stock or other company incentives in some positions
Not every financial analyst receives all of these benefits. The package depends on the company and the specific position.
Financial Analyst Salary Compared With Other Finance Jobs
Financial analysts work in a broad finance field, so their salary can be compared with several other careers. Some positions require similar skills but have different responsibilities and earning potential.
| Finance Career | Typical Role |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Analyzes financial information and supports business or investment decisions |
| Financial Manager | Manages financial activities and financial teams |
| Accountant | Prepares and examines financial records |
| Financial Advisor | Helps clients with investments and financial planning |
| Investment Analyst | Researches investments, companies and securities |
| Budget Analyst | Helps organizations prepare and manage budgets |
A financial analyst can use the experience gained in the role to move into several of these related careers. The best option depends on whether the person prefers investments, accounting, corporate planning, management or working directly with clients.
Financial Analyst Career Growth
One of the good things about a financial analyst career is that it does not have to stop at the analyst position. With experience, an employee may take on larger projects, become a senior analyst or move into management.
A common career path can look something like this:
- Entry-Level Financial Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager or FP&A Manager
- Finance Director
- Vice President of Finance or another executive role
Not everyone follows this exact path. Some analysts move into investment banking, corporate strategy, risk management, consulting, investment management or other finance careers.
Can a Financial Analyst Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, financial analysts can make $100,000 or more per year in the USA. In fact, the BLS reported a 2025 median annual wage of $103,570 for financial analysts. But reaching $100,000 is not guaranteed for someone starting their first job.
Experience, location and industry can make a large difference. Analysts working in major financial markets or higher-paying industries may reach six-figure salaries sooner. Others may need several years of experience before crossing the $100,000 level.
Senior positions can provide even higher earning potential. The top 10 percent of financial and investment analysts earned more than $180,860 per year in May 2025, according to BLS data.
Is Financial Analyst a High Paying Job?
Financial analyst is generally considered a good-paying professional job in the USA. The national median salary is above the median wage for all occupations, and the career has opportunities for salary growth with experience.
Still, calling it a high-paying job depends on the location and career level. An entry-level analyst in a small company will have a very different salary from an experienced analyst working for a large investment firm.
For someone interested in finance, business and numbers, the combination of salary, career growth and job opportunities makes financial analyst a career worth considering.
Financial Analyst Job Outlook
The job outlook for financial analysts is positive. The BLS projects employment of financial analysts to grow by 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. This growth is supported by the continuing need for businesses and investors to evaluate financial information and make investment and business decisions.
Technology is also changing the way analysts work. Modern analysts use spreadsheets, databases, financial software and data tools to process large amounts of information. However, human judgment is still important because companies need professionals who can understand the information and explain what it means.
According to the BLS, about 29,500 financial analyst openings are projected each year, on average, over the 2025–2035 period. Some openings will come from employment growth, while others will result from workers leaving the occupation or moving into other careers.
Final Thoughts on Financial Analyst Salary in the USA
The financial analyst salary in the USA is strong compared with many other professional careers. The latest BLS median salary is above $100,000 per year, but actual pay can range widely depending on experience, state, industry and employer.
New graduates normally start below the national median and then build their earning potential as they gain financial modeling, forecasting, data analysis and business experience. Working in major financial markets or higher-paying industries can also improve salary opportunities.
If your goal is a six-figure finance career, financial analyst can be a realistic path, but salary should not be the only reason to choose it. The work can involve long hours, detailed analysis and pressure around important financial decisions. For people who enjoy numbers, business and problem solving, it can become a strong long-term career in the USA.