How much does a financial analyst make?
a year · about $49 an hour
A typical financial analyst in the United States makes $102,740 a year, about $49 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
An analyst checks company reports, stock prices, and economic news, then uses software to estimate value and risk. They may meet company leaders and turn their findings into a report recommending what to buy, hold, or avoid.
Did you know? Some US financial analysts focus on “green” investments, researching mutual funds or ETFs made up of environmentally minded companies.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $63,720 and $180,860How do you become one?
In the US, earn a bachelor's degree, often in finance or business, then apply for an entry-level analyst job after college. Some jobs require an employer-sponsored FINRA license; the optional CFA credential takes three exams and relevant work experience.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay often differs with experience and education, location, and the industry an employer is in. A CFA credential or moving into a specialist or portfolio-manager role may help someone advance and change their earning opportunities.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($127,930), lowest in Louisiana ($75,680).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $63,720 | $102,740 | $180,860 | about 362,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $127,930 | about 52,000 |
| Oregon | $120,590 | about 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $111,040 | about 15,000 |
| California | $109,110 | about 45,000 |
| New Jersey | $108,610 | about 10,000 |
Official definition: Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses. Excludes “Budget Analysts” (13-2031), “Financial Risk Specialists” (13-2054), and “Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents” (41-3031).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2051.00
- www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY