What do finance jobs pay? The answer depends on the specific role, experience level, industry, location, specialization, and compensation structure.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, business and financial occupations had a median annual wage of $82,660 in May 2025, compared with $50,980 for all U.S. occupations.
Earnings can rise significantly in specialized finance careers. Financial analysts have median pay above $100,000, actuaries earn $130,000, and financial managers have a national median salary of $166,570.
This guide explains what do finance jobs pay by role and experience, covering entry-level salaries, FP&A compensation, senior finance positions, bonuses, industry differences, location, certifications, skills, and long-term career outlook.
Quick Answer: What Do Finance Jobs Pay?
If you want the short answer to what do finance jobs pay, many established finance careers have national median wages between roughly $75,000 and $130,000, while financial managers reach a median annual wage of $166,570.
Loan officers earn a median $76,690, accountants and auditors $83,680, financial analysts $103,570, personal financial advisors $105,070, financial risk specialists $117,330, actuaries $130,000, and financial managers $166,570.
These are occupation-wide median wages rather than guaranteed starting salaries. Actual finance pay may be substantially lower or higher depending on experience, specialization, employer, industry, geographic area, bonuses, commissions, and management responsibility.
Key Takeaways
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, these points summarize the biggest salary and career factors:
- Business and financial occupations have a $82,660 median annual wage.
- Financial managers earn a median $166,570.
- Actuaries have a median pay of $130,000.
- Financial analysts, advisors, and risk specialists have median wages above $100,000.
- Entry-level finance salaries should be evaluated separately from occupation-wide median wages.
- FP&A can progress from analyst to manager, director, and vice president roles.
- Industry and location can significantly affect finance salaries.
- Bonuses and commissions can increase total compensation beyond base salary.
- AI, ERP, analytics, automation, modeling, and financial-systems skills are becoming increasingly valuable.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay by Role?
One of the clearest ways to understand what do finance jobs pay is to compare national median salaries across common finance careers.
| Finance Role | Median Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | $166,570 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Financial Risk Specialist | $117,330 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $105,070 |
| Financial Analyst | $103,570 |
| Financial Examiner | $94,160 |
| Budget Analyst | $91,640 |
| Accountant or Auditor | $83,680 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $81,370 |
| Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agent | $78,660 |
| Loan Officer | $76,690 |
| Tax Examiner, Collector or Revenue Agent | $62,370 |
These figures are occupation-wide median wages. A median means half of workers in an occupation earn more and half earn less.
They should not be treated as guaranteed starting salaries for graduates or people entering finance for the first time.
Why Finance Salaries Vary So Much
When researching what do finance jobs pay, job title is only one part of the answer.
Two people with the same title can earn different salaries because their responsibilities, employer, industry, location, experience, and compensation structure may be completely different.
| Factor | How It Can Affect Pay |
|---|---|
| Experience | Greater responsibility and advanced knowledge can support higher compensation |
| Specialization | Risk, treasury, FP&A, investments, and financial systems may command different salaries |
| Industry | Securities, technology, professional services, insurance, and government can pay differently |
| Location | Large financial markets may offer higher nominal salaries |
| Employer size | Larger or more complex businesses may pay more for specialized expertise |
| Credentials | CPA, CFA, CFP, CMA, CTP, and FPAC may support specific career paths |
| Technology skills | Analytics, ERP, automation, AI, and modeling can increase professional value |
| Performance pay | Bonuses and commissions can make total compensation different from base salary |
This variation is why a single number cannot fully answer what do finance jobs pay across every career.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Financial Managers?
Financial management is one of the better-paid paths in finance, especially for professionals who move into senior leadership and decision-making roles.
- Median annual pay: $166,570
- Lowest 10%: Under $94,310
- Highest 10%: Over $323,270
- Common roles: Controller, treasurer, cash manager, credit manager, and risk manager
- Higher-paying industries: Professional and technical services, company management, and finance and insurance
- Typical experience: A bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of related business or financial experience
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Financial Analysts?
Financial analysts can earn strong salaries, especially in investment, securities, and risk-related roles.
- Median annual pay: $103,570
- Financial and investment analysts: $102,740
- Financial risk specialists: $117,330
- Lowest 10%: Under $63,720
- Highest 10%: Over $180,860
- Securities and investment industry median: $124,370
- Insurance industry median: $95,830
- Career paths: FP&A, valuation, investment research, corporate development, portfolio analysis, and risk management
Financial Risk Specialist Salaries
Financial risk specialists can earn strong salaries, especially in roles that require quantitative analysis, modeling, and regulatory expertise.
- Median annual pay: $117,330
- Lowest 10%: Under $64,820
- Highest 10%: Over $196,110
- Valuable skills: Financial modeling, statistics, credit analysis, market risk, and data analytics
- Career value: Specialized technical knowledge can support higher compensation in risk-focused finance roles
Personal Financial Advisor Salaries
For readers asking what do finance jobs pay, personal financial advisors offer strong earning potential, although compensation can vary widely because bonuses, commissions, fees, and client assets all influence total income.
- Median annual pay: $105,070
- Lowest 10%: Under $50,190
- Highest 10%: Over $357,020
- Compensation: Salary, bonuses, commissions, fees, and performance incentives
- Earning potential: A larger client base and more assets under management can support higher long-term income
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Actuaries?
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, actuaries stand out as a higher-paying specialized career that combines mathematics, statistics, finance, and risk analysis.
- Median annual pay: $130,000
- Lowest 10%: Under $78,570
- Highest 10%: Over $215,100
- Finance and insurance median: About $131,450
- Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus professional actuarial exams
- Career value: Specialized quantitative and risk-management skills can support strong earning potential
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Accountants and Auditors?
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, accounting and auditing offer solid salaries with opportunities to move into management and senior finance roles.
- Median annual pay: $83,680
- Lowest 10%: Under $56,020
- Highest 10%: Over $144,090
- Finance and insurance median: $93,290
- Accounting services median: $81,490
- Career paths: Accounting manager, controller, finance director, and financial manager
- Useful credential: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
How Much Do Budget Analysts Make?
Budget analysts can earn competitive salaries while helping organizations plan spending, prepare budgets, forecast costs, and allocate financial resources.
- Median annual pay: $91,640
- Core work: Budgeting, forecasting, spending control, and financial planning
- Common employers: Businesses, governments, universities, and other organizations
- Career opportunities: Experience can support movement into FP&A and broader corporate-finance roles
What Do Financial Examiners Make?
Financial examiners can earn strong salaries while working in banking regulation, compliance, risk, and financial supervision.
- Median annual pay: $94,160
- Core work: Reviewing financial institutions, transactions, and regulatory compliance
- Common areas: Banking regulation, consumer compliance, risk, and supervision
- Career value: For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, financial examination offers median compensation above $90,000
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Loan Officers?
Loan officers evaluate mortgage, consumer, commercial, and other loan applications, with earnings that can include both salary and commissions.
- Median annual pay: $76,690
- Lowest 10%: Under $39,430
- Highest 10%: Over $153,180
- Compensation: Salary or base pay plus commissions
- Automobile dealer median: $106,000
What Do Investment Banking and Securities Jobs Pay?
Investment-banking pay is harder to measure with one figure because government data groups investment bankers with brokers, traders, and other financial-services sales professionals.
- Broader occupation median: $78,660
- BLS category: Securities, commodities, and financial-services sales agents
- Compensation: Base salary may be supplemented by significant bonuses and performance incentives
- Important note: The $78,660 figure is not an investment-banker-specific salary
- Best comparison: When researching what do finance jobs pay in investment banking, compare total compensation rather than base salary alone
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Insurance Underwriters?
Insurance underwriters evaluate applications, assess financial risk, and determine whether an insurer should accept a particular exposure.
- Median annual pay: $81,370
- Core work: Risk assessment, pricing, and insurance decision-making
- Related skills: Financial analysis and evaluation of potential losses
- Career fit: Suitable for professionals interested in risk-focused finance without pursuing traditional investment roles
What Do Finance Jobs Pay by Experience?
When comparing what do finance jobs pay by experience, career stage is often more useful than years worked alone because salaries vary by role, responsibility, specialization, and employer.
| Career Stage | Typical Roles | Compensation Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Junior analyst, staff accountant, credit analyst | Mainly salary while core skills develop |
| Early Career | Financial analyst, accountant, loan officer | Higher pay with greater responsibility |
| Experienced Specialist | Senior analyst, senior accountant, risk specialist | Higher pay for technical expertise |
| Management | FP&A manager, finance manager, controller | Higher salary plus leadership duties |
| Senior Leadership | Finance director, VP of finance, CFO | Higher base pay with possible bonuses and equity |
Experience has the greatest impact on earnings when it leads to stronger expertise, greater responsibility, management duties, or strategic decision-making.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay at Entry Level?
For readers asking what do finance jobs pay at the start of a career, entry-level compensation should be considered separately from occupation-wide median wages.
Robert Half’s 2027 Salary Guide uses low, midpoint, and high starting-compensation benchmarks based on experience, skills, and certifications.
| Role | Low | Midpoint | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $72,000 | $83,000 | $94,000 |
| Entry-Level Accountant | $55,750 | $63,000 | $70,000 |
These figures are projected starting-compensation benchmarks, not BLS occupational median wages.
Actual entry-level pay can vary by education, internships, technical skills, employer size, industry, location, and local demand.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay in FP&A?
FP&A is a major corporate-finance career path focused on budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, performance analysis, and strategic planning.
Robert Half’s projected compensation data shows how salaries can rise as professionals move into more senior roles.
| FP&A or Corporate Finance Role | Low | Midpoint | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $72,000 | $83,000 | $94,000 |
| Senior Financial Analyst | $95,000 | $109,000 | $120,000 |
| FP&A Manager | $115,000 | $143,000 | $161,250 |
| FP&A Director | $142,000 | $173,000 | $198,750 |
| FP&A Vice President | $171,000 | $213,250 | $255,000 |
These are projected starting-compensation benchmarks for each role rather than total compensation.
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, FP&A shows how compensation can increase substantially as professionals gain responsibility for forecasting, team leadership, strategy, and executive decision-making.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay for Controllers and CFOs?
Senior corporate-finance roles can reach some of the highest compensation levels in the field, especially when bonuses, equity, and other incentives are included.
| Senior Finance Role | Low | Midpoint | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Controller | $154,500 | $187,500 | $216,250 |
| Chief Financial Officer | $215,000 | $273,250 | $326,250 |
Robert Half’s 2027 Salary Guide projects these national starting-compensation ranges.
- Corporate controller: $154,500 to $216,250
- CFO: $215,000 to $326,250
- Controller focus: Accounting operations, reporting, internal controls, and financial accuracy
- CFO focus: Strategy, financing, capital allocation, forecasting, risk, investors, and acquisitions
- Total compensation: Bonuses, stock awards, and profit sharing can push earnings well above base salary
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay at senior levels, controller and CFO positions show how compensation can rise sharply with greater responsibility and executive leadership.
Which Finance Jobs Pay Over $100,000?
For readers asking what do finance jobs pay above the $100,000 mark, several established finance careers already have national median wages above that level.
| Finance Career | Median Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | $166,570 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Financial Risk Specialist | $117,330 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $105,070 |
| Financial Analyst | $103,570 |
Other finance professionals may also earn more than $100,000 through promotion, specialization, performance incentives, or movement into higher-paying industries.
These figures are national median wages, not a complete ranking of every finance career.
How High Can Finance Salaries Go?
Top finance salaries can be far above national median wages, especially in senior, client-facing, or performance-based roles.
- Financial managers, top 10%: More than $323,270
- Personal financial advisors, top 10%: More than $357,020
- Key factors: Seniority, client assets, performance, leadership, incentives, employer type, and specialization
- Important note: These figures represent top earners, not typical salaries
When comparing what do finance jobs pay, it is important to separate median wages from the much higher compensation earned by top professionals.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay in Different Industries?
Industry can have a major impact on finance salaries, even when two professionals have similar job titles.
- Financial and investment analysts in securities: $124,370 median
- Financial and investment analysts in insurance: $95,830 median
- Financial managers in professional and technical services: $174,170 median
- Financial managers in finance and insurance: $169,980 median
- Financial managers in government: $139,810 median
- Accountants and auditors in finance and insurance: $93,290 median
When comparing what do finance jobs pay, look at both the occupation and the industry because the same role can pay very differently across sectors.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay in Different Locations?
Location also affects finance salaries, especially in large financial centers with higher demand and living costs.
- New York metro business and financial occupations: $57.35 per hour mean
- National comparison: $45.78 per hour mean
- New York metro financial managers: $120.47 per hour mean
- Approximate annual mean for financial managers: $250,570
- Key factors: Employer concentration, talent demand, industry mix, specialization, and cost of living
These New York figures are mean wages, while many figures elsewhere in the article are medians, so they should not be compared as identical measures.
For readers asking what do finance jobs pay in a specific city, local wage data can provide a more accurate picture than national figures alone.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay Beyond Base Salary?
Salary is only one part of finance compensation.
Some jobs rely almost entirely on fixed salary, while others offer substantial variable compensation.
A finance compensation package may include:
- Base salary
- Annual performance bonus
- Commission
- Profit sharing
- Equity or stock awards
- Retirement contributions
- Health benefits
- Paid leave
- Other employee incentives
Personal financial advisors may receive salaries plus bonuses or commissions. Loan officers may receive commissions tied to loan originations. Securities and investment-related professionals may receive performance-based bonuses.
Senior corporate-finance positions can also include bonuses and equity.
Therefore, when considering what do finance jobs pay, total compensation can be more useful than base salary alone.
Which Skills Can Increase Finance Earning Potential?
Modern finance increasingly combines traditional financial knowledge with technology, data, analytics, and strategic business skills.
Robert Half’s 2027 research says employers are placing particular value on expertise involving:
- Artificial intelligence
- ERP platforms
- Data analytics
- Process automation
- Regulatory reporting
- Financial-systems optimization
- Financial modeling
- Forecasting
- Advanced Excel
- Business intelligence
- Data visualization
Robert Half also reports that 82% of surveyed finance and accounting leaders offer higher pay for relevant AI skills.
Its salary research projects above-average salary growth for financial analysts and FP&A managers compared with the broader finance and accounting market.
These trends help explain why what do finance jobs pay increasingly depends not only on traditional finance knowledge but also on technology and analytical capabilities.
Which Finance Certifications Can Help?
Professional certifications can strengthen a finance career when they match the role, specialization, and employer requirements.
| Certification | Common Career Relevance |
|---|---|
| CPA | Accounting, audit, reporting, controllership |
| CFA | Investment analysis, research, portfolio-related careers |
| CFP | Personal financial planning and wealth management |
| CMA | Management accounting and corporate finance |
| CTP | Treasury and cash management |
| FPAC | Financial planning and analysis |
A certification does not automatically guarantee higher pay. Its value depends on the occupation, employer, experience level, and whether the credential supports a real business need.
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, certifications are one of several factors that can influence long-term earning potential and career progression.
Do Finance Jobs Require a Degree?
Many professional finance careers typically require a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree is commonly listed as the typical entry-level education for careers such as:
- Financial analyst
- Personal financial advisor
- Accountant or auditor
- Loan officer
- Financial examiner
- Financial manager
A graduate degree may support advancement in some investment, corporate-finance, or management careers, but it is not required for every finance occupation.
Internships, certifications, technical capabilities, relevant work experience, professional relationships, and measurable job performance can also affect career progression.
Finance Salaries and Career Outlook
Salary matters, but long-term job demand is also important when comparing finance careers.
| Finance Occupation | Projected Employment Growth 2025–2035 |
|---|---|
| Financial Managers | 10% |
| Financial Examiners | 9% |
| Actuaries | 9% |
| Financial Analysts | 7% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 5% |
| Personal Financial Advisors | 1% |
| Loan Officers | 1% |
| All U.S. Occupations | 3% |
- Strongest projected growth: Financial managers at 10%
- Above-average growth: Financial examiners, actuaries, financial analysts, and accountants
- Slower growth: Personal financial advisors and loan officers at 1%
- Overall U.S. benchmark: 3%
Employment projections do not guarantee a job or salary, but they add useful context when comparing what do finance jobs pay with long-term career opportunities.
Are Finance Jobs Good Paying Careers?
Many finance careers pay above the overall U.S. median wage, but earnings vary significantly by role and responsibility.
- Business and financial occupations median: $82,660
- All U.S. occupations median: $50,980
- Tax examiner, collector, or revenue agent: $62,370
- Financial manager: $166,570
For readers comparing what do finance jobs pay, the specific career path makes a major difference in long-term earning potential.
How to Compare Two Finance Job Offers
When comparing finance job offers, look beyond base salary and consider the full compensation package.
Compare:
- Base salary
- Annual bonus
- Commission structure
- Equity or stock awards
- Retirement contributions
- Health benefits
- Paid leave
- Working hours
- Promotion opportunities
- Remote or hybrid flexibility
- Professional development
- Skills you can build
A lower base salary may still provide better overall value if the role includes strong bonuses, benefits, equity, and career-growth opportunities.
Salary Data and Methodology
This guide uses two different types of salary data.
- BLS data: Mostly May 2025 national median wages, where half of workers earn more and half earn less
- Robert Half data: 2027 projected starting-compensation benchmarks using low, midpoint, and high ranges
- Key difference: BLS reflects broader occupational wages, while Robert Half provides starting-pay benchmarks for specific roles
- Important note: Neither source guarantees what an individual employer will pay
Understanding these differences is important when accurately answering what do finance jobs pay across roles, experience levels, and career stages.
Conclusion
So, what do finance jobs pay? The answer varies by role, experience, industry, location, skills, and total compensation structure.
Median pay ranges from $76,690 for loan officers and $83,680 for accountants and auditors to $117,330 for financial risk specialists, $130,000 for actuaries, and $166,570 for financial managers.
Entry-level professionals usually earn less than experienced specialists, while FP&A leaders, controllers, and executives can move into much higher compensation ranges.
Industry, location, certifications, technical skills, bonuses, commissions, and equity can all affect earnings.
For anyone comparing what do finance jobs pay, the best approach is to look at starting salary, median pay, total compensation, career progression, local market rates, and long-term demand for the specific finance role.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay FAQs
1. What do finance jobs pay for remote positions?
Remote finance salaries vary by role, employer, location policy, and experience. Some companies use national pay ranges, while others adjust compensation based on where employees live.
2. What do finance jobs pay at fintech companies?
Fintech compensation varies widely by position and company size. Some roles may combine base salary with bonuses, stock options, or equity as part of total compensation.
3. What do finance jobs pay for part-time positions?
Part-time finance jobs are often paid hourly or on a reduced salary basis. Earnings depend on the role, weekly hours, experience, and employer.
4. What do finance jobs pay when signing bonuses are offered?
A signing bonus can increase first-year compensation, but it is separate from regular salary. Bonus amounts vary by seniority, employer demand, and the difficulty of filling the position.
5. What do finance jobs pay hourly versus salary?
Finance professionals may be paid hourly or receive an annual salary depending on the occupation and employer. Professional and management positions are more commonly salaried.
Disclaimer
Salary figures are estimates and may vary by role, experience, employer, industry, location, bonuses, and market conditions.
