What do finance jobs pay?

Posted on March 4, 2025

Salaries for finance jobs vary widely depending on the role, level of experience, location, and the size of the company. Here’s a general overview of average salaries for common finance jobs in the United States (as of 2023):

Entry-Level Finance Jobs

  1. Financial Analyst
    • Average Salary: 60,000−85,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Analyzing financial data, creating reports, and assisting with budgeting.
  2. Accountant
    • Average Salary: 55,000−75,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Managing financial records, preparing tax returns, and ensuring compliance.
  3. Credit Analyst
    • Average Salary: 50,000−70,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Assessing creditworthiness and managing risk for lending decisions.

Mid-Level Finance Jobs

  1. Senior Financial Analyst
    • Average Salary: 85,000−110,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Leading financial planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
  2. Finance Manager
    • Average Salary: 90,000−130,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and reporting.
  3. Investment Analyst
    • Average Salary: 80,000−120,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Researching investment opportunities and managing portfolios.

High-Level Finance Jobs

  1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
    • Average Salary: 150,000−400,000+ per year
    • Responsibilities: Leading the financial strategy and operations of an organization.
  2. Portfolio Manager
    • Average Salary: 120,000−200,000+ per year
    • Responsibilities: Managing investment portfolios and making buy/sell decisions.
  3. Investment Banker
    • Average Salary: 100,000−250,000+ per year (including bonuses)
    • Responsibilities: Advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising.
  4. Private Equity Associate
    • Average Salary: 120,000−200,000+ per year (including bonuses)
    • Responsibilities: Managing investments in private companies and conducting due diligence.

Specialized Finance Roles

  1. Risk Manager
    • Average Salary: 90,000−140,000 per year
    • Responsibilities: Identifying and mitigating financial risks.
  2. Financial Consultant/Advisor
    • Average Salary: 70,000−150,000 per year (often commission-based)
    • Responsibilities: Providing financial planning and investment advice to clients.
  3. Actuary
    • Average Salary: 100,000−150,000+ per year
    • Responsibilities: Analyzing financial risks using mathematics and statistics.

Factors Influencing Finance Salaries

  • Location: Salaries in major financial hubs like New York City, San Francisco, or Chicago tend to be higher.
  • Experience: More years of experience typically lead to higher pay.
  • Education: Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, CFA) or certifications can boost earning potential.
  • Industry: Finance roles in tech, healthcare, or private equity often pay more than those in non-profits or government.