Financial and Investment Analysts Salary Guide 2025: $102,740 Median, 5.7% Growth
The median Financial and Investment Analyst earns $102,740 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest OEWS estimates. That works out to about $49 an hour. Mean annual pay hits $116,800. The typical range stretches from $63,720 (10th percentile) to $180,860 (90th percentile). These figures reflect base salary before bonuses or commissions, which are common in this occupation.
The BLS counts 361,980 people working as Financial and Investment Analysts nationwide. The occupation is projected to grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all jobs, creating about 25,100 openings each year. Most openings will come from workers retiring or changing careers.
How much Financial and Investment Analysts earn
The median annual wage for Financial and Investment Analysts is $102,740. The highest-paid 10% earn more than $180,860, while the lowest-paid 10% earn below $63,720. Mean hourly wage is $49.17. Total compensation often includes performance bonuses, profit sharing, and stock grants — especially at large banks and investment firms.
Top industries include securities and commodity contracts intermediation (median $125,460), investment banking ($123,580), and portfolio management ($121,230). Government and insurance tend to pay less on average. Experience and certifications like the CFA or CFP also push salaries upward.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Wyoming pays the highest average salary at $187,090, driven by a small number of high-paying analyst roles in energy finance. New York comes second at $127,930, reflecting Wall Street concentration. Oregon ($120,590), Massachusetts ($111,040), and Connecticut ($109,500) round out the top five.
At the other end, West Virginia averages $69,030 — the lowest. Louisiana ($75,680) and North Dakota ($78,170) also pay below the national median. Even in lower-paying states, analysts at large firms may still earn above local averages.
How to become Financial and Investment Analyst
Most Financial and Investment Analysts hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. A master’s in business administration (MBA) or a master’s in finance is common for advancement, but not always required for entry-level roles. Internships during college are critical for landing your first job.
Many analysts pursue professional certifications to boost credentials and earning potential. The most respected is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter, which requires passing three exams and four years of qualified work experience. Other useful certifications include the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Series 7/63 licenses for roles involving securities trading.
- Earn a bachelor’s in finance, accounting, or economics (minimum GPA 3.0 helps).
- Get a summer internship at a bank, asset manager, or corporate finance department.
- Apply for entry-level analyst roles; many firms recruit on campus.
- Consider pursuing an MBA or master’s in finance after 2-4 years of experience.
- Pass the CFA Level I exam — many employers require or strongly prefer the charter.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of Financial and Investment Analysts will grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 20,000 new positions. That’s faster than the average across all occupations (4% for the same period). About 25,100 job openings each year come from both growth and replacement needs.
Drivers include an increasingly complex global economy, more data-driven investment decisions, and growing demand for retirement planning. Automation will handle some routine analysis, but roles requiring judgment, strategic recommendations, and client interaction will remain in demand. Analysts who combine technical skills (Python, SQL, financial modeling) with strong communication will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Financial Analyst?
Entry-level analysts often earn between $60,000 and $75,000, with some top programs paying more. The bottom 10% nationally earn below $63,720.
Do Financial Analysts make good money?
Yes — median $102,740 is well above the national average for all occupations ($48,060). Top earners exceed $180,860.
Is Financial Analyst a dying career?
No. The occupation is growing 5.7% (faster than average) with 25,100 openings per year. Automation may change tasks but won't eliminate the role.
What state pays Financial Analysts the most?
Wyoming, with an average salary of $187,090, though the number of jobs is small. New York is second at $127,930 with many more positions.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Financial and Investment Analysts data.