The best-paying jobs in finance include Chief Financial Officer, Investment Banker, Hedge Fund Manager, Private Equity Associate, and Venture Capitalist. These jobs require specialized skills and expertise in managing financial assets and risks.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay?
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for finance job workers in the United States is $76,000.
Entry-level positions, such as Teller, earn an average annual salary of $31,207. In contrast, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and other specialized positions earn average annual salaries of $371,548 above.
A Chief Financial Officer oversees the financial operations and strategy of an organization. This is one of the best career paths in Finance. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration, and years of experience, is necessary for this position. They also need financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and leadership skills.
The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 15% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 60,300 new job opportunities in the US.
Vice President of Finance
Average Annual Salary: $264,000
A Vice President of Finance oversees the financial operations of a company, and may report to the Chief Financial Officer. Skills in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and leadership are highly needed. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is the educational requirement for this position.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 4% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce about 10,400 new job opportunities in the US.
Director of Finance
Average Annual Salary: $172,680
A Director of Finance oversees the financial operations of a department or organization. They need good financial analysis, strategic planning, and leadership skills to excel in this role. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is also needed.
The job outlook is positive with 15% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 60,300 new job opportunities in the US.
Investment Banker
Average Annual Salary: $142,844
An Investment Banker facilitates large financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and Initial Public Offerings. Skills in financial modeling, valuation, negotiation, communication, and business development are necessary. They also need to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 4% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce about 4,600 new job opportunities in the US.
A Private Equity Associate helps manage and execute private equity investments. They need due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and communication skills to succeed in this role. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is also required.
The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 4% from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 4,600 new job opportunities in the US.
Hedge Fund Manager
Average Annual Salary: $132,150
A Hedge Fund Manager manages investments for a hedge fund. Financial analysis, risk management, communication, and decision-making skills are important skills for a Hedge Fund Manager to possess. They must also have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 4% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 4,600 new job opportunities in the US.
Portfolio Manager
Average Annual Salary: $123,322
A Portfolio Manager manages investment portfolios for individuals or institutions. The skills needed to excel in this role include financial analysis, asset allocation, risk management, and communication skills. The educational requirements are a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 4% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. It will create over 4,600 new job opportunities in the US.
Quantitative Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $123,240
A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical models and statistical analysis to evaluate investment opportunities. Data analysis, programming, mathematics, and financial analysis skills are important for every Quantitative Analyst to have. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science is the educational requirement.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 33% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce over 1,900 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Advisor
Average Annual Salary: $121,770
A Financial Advisor provides investment advice and financial planning services to clients. Communication, financial analysis, customer service, and business development skills are important for a Financial Advisor to have. The educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree and/or certification in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
An Investment Fund Manager manages the investment funds for institutions or individuals. Financial analysis, risk management, communication, and decision-making skills are necessary for them to possess. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is also required.
The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 4% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 4,600 new job opportunities in the US.
Actuary
Average Annual Salary: $111,030
An Actuary assesses and manages financial risk for insurance companies and other businesses. Mathematics, statistical analysis, financial analysis, and communication skills are important for an Actuary to possess. A Bachelor’s Degree and Certification in Mathematics, Statistics, or Actuarial Science is required.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects an 18% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce over 4,500 new job opportunities in the US.
Risk Manager
Average Annual Salary: $100,560
A Risk Manager identifies and assesses potential risks for businesses and organizations and develops strategies to mitigate those risks. They need risk assessment, data analysis, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to excel in this role. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and/or Certification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is also required.
The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 2,600 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $95,570
A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data and investment opportunities for businesses and individuals. They need financial analysis, data analysis, communication, and good decision-making skills to excel in this role. A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration is also required.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 5% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce about 20,300 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Clerk
Average Annual Salary: $81,310
A Financial Clerk performs administrative and clerical tasks related to financial transactions and records. Basic math skills, attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills are important for a Financial Clerk to have. A High School Diploma or equivalent, or some College courses in Accounting or Bookkeeping are the educational requirements.
The job outlook is negative, as the BLS projects a 6% decline from 2021 to 2031. This is due to increasing automation and it will result in a loss of about 33,100 job opportunities in the US.
A Credit Analyst evaluates creditworthiness of individuals and businesses applying for loans or credit. Financial analysis, data analysis, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are important for every Credit Analyst to possess. They should also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 5% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce about 4,000 new job opportunities in the US.
5 Highest-Paying Entry-Level Finance Jobs with Good Salaries
An Actuary assesses and manages risks for insurance companies and other organizations. Math, statistics, problem-solving, and communication skills are important skills for every Actuary to possess. The educational requirements are a Bachelor’s Degree or Certification in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a related field.
The job outlook is positive with 18% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 4,400 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $95,570
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and provides insights to aid decision-making. They need financial analysis, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving skills to excel in this role. A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required.
The job outlook is positive with 5% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 32,200 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Examiner
Average Annual Salary: $90,050
A Financial Examiner ensures compliance with financial laws and regulations for banks and other financial institutions. They need accurate financial analysis, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving skills to excel in this role. A Bachelor’s Degree and/or Certification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field are required.
The job outlook is positive with 7% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 2,200 new job opportunities in the US.
Financial Advisor
Average Annual Salary: $89,160
A Financial Advisor provides financial advice and investment recommendations to clients. Communication, sales, customer service, financial analysis, and problem-solving skills are important for a Financial Advisor to possess. A Bachelor’s Degree and/or Certification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is also required.
An Investment Banking Analyst assists with underwriting and valuation of financial securities for clients. Financial analysis, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary skills for an Investment Banking Analyst to have. They should also possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 10% increase from 2021 to 2031. It will produce about 12,600 new job opportunities in the US.
How to Get a High Paying Job in Finance
Getting a job in finance can be competitive, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances.
5 steps you can take to get a high paying job in finance:
Get the right education
Pursue a Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field from an accredited College or University. Also consider obtaining a Master’s Degree in Finance or an MBA to increase your chances of securing a high-paying job.
Gain relevant experience
Look for internships or entry-level positions in finance to gain practical experience. Seek opportunities to work with financial models, conduct financial analysis, and participate in investment research.
Acquire key skills
Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as financial modeling and data analysis capabilities. Enhance your communication and presentation skills, as you will need to explain complex financial concepts to stakeholders.
Obtain Certifications
Consider earning professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or FRM (Financial Risk Manager). These certifications demonstrate a high level of expertise in finance and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Apply for High Paying Jobs
Apply for high-paying jobs in finance, such as Investment Banking, Private Equity, Hedge Fund Management, or Financial Analysis roles. Where to find relevant opportunities are discussed below.
Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Finance
By using these premium sources, you can find high-paying finance jobs and increase your chances of landing a top-tier position in the industry.
5 valuable sources to find the best paying jobs in finance
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal is a well-respected financial newspaper that offers job postings and career advice in the finance industry. They have a dedicated section on their website called “Finance & Careers” that includes job listings and resources for finance professionals.
Bloomberg
Bloomberg is a leading financial news and data provider that offers a job search function on their website. Their job board includes high-paying finance positions, such as Investment Banking, Private Equity, and Hedge Fund Management roles.
Financial Times
Financial Times is another prominent financial newspaper that offers job postings and career advice in the finance industry. They have a dedicated section on their website called “Careers in Finance” that includes job listings and resources for finance professionals.
eFinancialCareers
eFinancialCareers is a job board that specializes in finance and banking jobs. They have a wide range of job listings, including high-paying finance positions in investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds.
Indeed Prime
Indeed Prime is a premium service that offers curated job postings in the technology and finance industries. They partner with leading companies in finance and offer exclusive job listings for high-paying finance positions.
What are the Top-Level Skills to Get a High Paying Job in Finance?
There are some top-level skills that are important for getting a high-paying job in finance. These essential skills are must-have.
5 top-level essential skills you must have to land the highest paying jobs in finance
Quantitative skills
Finance professionals must be able to analyze complex financial data and make decisions based on that analysis. Possessing strong analytical and quantitative skills will help you to accurately analyze financial information, identify trends, and make sound financial decisions.
Presentation skills
Finance professionals often need to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders, such as senior management or investors. Possessing strong communication and presentation skills will help you to effectively communicate complex financial concepts, build relationships, and influence decision-making.
Leadership skills
Many high-paying finance jobs require individuals to lead and manage teams of finance professionals. Possessing strong leadership and management skills will help you to effectively manage people and projects, build high-performing teams, and drive results.
Adaptability skills
The finance industry is constantly changing, and finance professionals need to be able to adapt to new situations. Possessing strong adaptability and problem-solving skills will help you to quickly assess new situations, and identify solutions to complex problems.
Accuracy skills
Finance professionals must be able to work with large amounts of data, because even small errors can have significant consequences. Possessing strong attention to detail and accuracy skills will help you to minimize errors and create accurate financial reports and statements.
To possess these skills, there are several things you can do:
Take courses or pursue certifications in specific areas, such as risk management, data analysis, or strategic thinking.
Seek out internships or entry-level positions in finance to gain practical experience and develop your skills.
Attend professional development workshops and seminars to improve your skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
Participate in extracurricular activities, such as case competitions or finance clubs, to develop your leadership and communication skills.
Seek feedback from mentors or colleagues to identify areas where you can improve your skills and work to address those areas.
Top 10 Companies with the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance
Blackstone Group
Goldman Sachs
Two Sigma Investments
Bridgewater Associates
Renaissance Technologies
Point72 Asset Management
Citadel
E. Shaw Group
Millennium Management
AQR Capital Management
This table below provides more details about these top companies and their highest paying positions:
S/N
Company Name
Size (Number of Employees)
Highest Paying Job Title
Salary (approximate)
1
Blackstone Group
2,500+
Senior Managing Director
$600,000 – $1 million+
2
Goldman Sachs
40,000+
Managing Director
$500,000 – $1 million+
3
Two Sigma Investments
1,000+
Quantitative Researcher
$400,000 – $500,000
4
Bridgewater Associates
1,500+
Senior Investment Associate
$300,000 – $400,000
5
Renaissance Technologies
1,000+
Senior Software Developer
$300,000 – $400,000
6
Point72 Asset Management
1,500+
Senior Portfolio Manager
$250,000 – $500,000
7
Citadel
1,500+
Senior Quantitative Researcher
$250,000 – $400,000
8
D.E. Shaw Group
1,500+
Quantitative Researcher
$250,000 – $400,000
9
Millennium Management
1,000+
Portfolio Manager
$250,000 – $500,000
10
AQR Capital Management
1,000+
Portfolio Manager
$200,000 – $500,000
What are the Factors Affecting Employees’ Salary in the Finance Sector?
There are several factors that can affect an employee’s salary in the finance sector, including:
Education and credentials
Employees with advanced degrees, such as MBA, CFA, CPA, or other relevant certifications, may get into higher-level positions, such as Executives or Managers. These roles earn higher salaries than those in entry-level or support roles.
Years of experience
Finance professionals with more years of experience are generally paid more than those with less experience. They may also qualify for higher positions as they gather experiences through the years.
Performance and achievements
High-performing employees who meet or exceed goals may receive bonuses, stock options, or other performance-based incentives that increase their overall compensation.
The sector
Salaries can vary widely depending on the specific industry or sector within finance, such as Investment Banking, Asset Management, or Corporate Finance. For instance, Accountants in Real Estate may earn less than Accountants in Commercial Banks.
Location
The location of the company also affects the amount of salary they pay. Larger companies located in major financial centers like New York or London may offer higher salaries than smaller firms.
FAQs on The Best Paying Jobs in Finance
Which job is best in finance?
Some of the best paying and most in-demand jobs in finance currently include Investment Banker, Financial Manager, Financial Analyst, and Portfolio Manager.
Which country is best for finance jobs?
Some of the best countries for finance jobs include the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These countries are home to many of the world’s leading financial institutions, and offer attractive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and a high quality of life.
Do I need a graduate degree to work in finance?
While a graduate degree can be helpful for some finance roles, it is not always necessary. Many finance professionals have undergraduate degrees in Finance, Economics, or related fields and gain experience and additional qualifications through their work.
Conclusion: 20 Best-Paying Jobs in Finance
The finance industry offers some of the best paying jobs in the job market today. With the right education, training, and experience, you can get one of the high paying jobs available in finance across a range of sectors, from Investment Banking to Wealth Management to Financial Analysis and more.
