Quick answer: Finance remains one of the best-paid graduate career paths. In the US, financial analysts earned a median salary of $103,570 in May 2025, and those working for securities and investment firms, the category that includes investment banks, earned a median of $124,370. The top 10% of financial and investment analysts earned more than $180,860, and the top 10% of financial risk specialists more than $196,110. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 29,500 openings a year.
Investment banking, equity research, asset management, corporate finance and risk management all draw on the same analytical core: understanding businesses, building financial models and making decisions about money. Pay is high and bonuses can be significant, especially in investment banking. Hours are often long and competition for top firms is intense, but few careers offer faster financial progression for graduates.
Finance Careers at a Glance (United States)
| Median pay: all financial analysts (May 2025) | $103,570 |
| Financial and investment analysts | $102,740 (top 10%: over $180,860) |
| Financial risk specialists | $117,330 (top 10%: over $196,110) |
| Jobs (2025) | 443,100 |
| Growth (2025–35) | 7%, much faster than average |
| Openings per year | About 29,500 |
| Entry education | Bachelor’s degree, often in finance or business |
Pay by Industry: Financial and Investment Analysts (US, May 2025)
| Industry | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Securities, commodity contracts and other investments | $124,370 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $101,760 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | $101,540 |
| Credit intermediation (banking and lending) | $100,120 |
| Insurance carriers | $95,830 |
BLS figures are for base wages. In investment banking and trading, annual bonuses can add substantially to total pay, and vary with performance and market conditions.
Main Finance Career Paths
- Investment banking: advising on mergers, acquisitions, IPOs and debt deals. Highest pay and longest hours.
- Equity and credit research: analysing companies and recommending investments.
- Asset and wealth management: managing portfolios for funds or individuals.
- Corporate finance (FP&A): budgeting, forecasting and strategy inside companies. Better work-life balance.
- Risk management: measuring credit, market and operational risk. Strong demand from banks and regulators.
Licences and Qualifications
In the US, FINRA is the main licensing body for the securities industry, and certain roles require licences. Most licences need sponsorship by an employer, so firms do not usually expect candidates to hold them before joining. Globally recognised qualifications that can strengthen a finance career include:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): the leading credential for investment management and research.
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager): focused on risk roles.
- CA / CPA / ACCA: accounting qualifications that open doors to corporate finance and transaction services.
- MBA: a common route into investment banking associate roles for career changers.
How to Break Into Finance
- Build technical skills: accounting, Excel financial modelling, valuation (DCF and comparables).
- Get internships early. In investment banking, most graduate hires come from internship programmes.
- Network deliberately: alumni, LinkedIn and finance societies.
- Prepare for technical interviews on accounting, valuation and market awareness.
- Consider adjacent entry points such as Big Four transaction services, corporate banking or boutique firms.
The Fine Print
- Hours: investment banking analysts frequently work very long weeks.
- Bonuses vary year to year with markets and performance.
- Location matters: the biggest centres include New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai, Frankfurt and Toronto.
- Beware of paid “guaranteed placement” schemes. Top firms recruit through their own programmes.
Is a Finance Career Worth It?
For analytical, driven graduates, yes. Finance offers strong pay from day one, fast progression and skills that transfer across industries and countries. Investment banking maximises pay at the cost of lifestyle; corporate finance and risk roles offer a better balance with solid salaries. Earning the CFA or an accounting qualification alongside work significantly improves long-term prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do financial analysts earn?
The US median was $103,570 in May 2025, and $124,370 for those at securities and investment firms.
Is finance a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 7% growth from 2025 to 2035.
Do I need licences before applying?
Usually not. Most FINRA licences require employer sponsorship, so firms help new hires obtain them.
Is the CFA worth it?
It is highly valued in investment management and research, though it requires significant study time.
What degree is best for finance?
Finance, economics, accounting, mathematics and engineering are all common backgrounds.
Official source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Analysts, at bls.gov. This site is not affiliated with any bank or employer and never charges any fee for job information.