How much does a finance manager make?
a year · about $80 an hour
A typical finance manager in the United States makes $166,570 a year, about $80 an hour, about 3.3× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They review reports, budgets, and forecasts, looking for legal problems or ways to cut costs. Then they talk with finance teams and senior leaders to explain what the numbers suggest and plan next steps.
Did you know? Some financial managers predict whether their organization will run short of cash—or have more cash than it needs.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $94,310 and $323,270How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field, then gain at least five years of experience in finance work such as accounting or financial analysis. Certification is not required for financial managers, though CPAs need a state license.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, location, and the employer’s industry. Specialties such as risk management and optional credentials may also shape job opportunities, though certification is not required.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($219,880), lowest in Mississippi ($111,390).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $94,310 | $166,570 | $323,270 | about 842,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $219,880 | about 81,000 |
| Massachusetts | $206,760 | about 26,000 |
| New Jersey | $199,110 | about 33,000 |
| District of Columbia | $188,880 | about 9,000 |
| Virginia | $185,220 | about 21,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment. Excludes “Financial Risk Specialists” (13-2054).
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/management/financial-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3031.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY