30 Best Jobs in Finance 

Finance is a great industry to get into, and we’re sharing some of the best jobs in finance based on your experience.

Read on to learn more about the 30 best jobs in finance!

When considering the finance industry, many people picture individuals in business formal attire, walking around busy offices, with constant stress. You might even think about people yelling at one another on the trading floor (think: Wolf of Wallstreet).

You might also think that jobs in finance require a lot of client-facing communication. This might be true for some roles. Yet the finance industry is vast and offers a variety of different positions for introverts and extroverts alike.

Additionally, due to the increased number of jobs that are able to be conducted virtually, many jobs in finance offer a remote or hybrid schedule to give employees more flexibility within the industry. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the financial industry is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations, which will result in about 715,100 new jobs over the decade.

What Do Finance Jobs Pay? 

The median annual wage for the financial industry was $76,570 in May 2021. This was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

Keep in mind that this is the median number, meaning that many jobs in finance pay significantly more than $76,000 and significantly less than $76,000. Annual salary in finance typically is based on a plethora of conditions including employer, location, areas of expertise, years of experience, and education.

Depending on what kind of position you look at in finance, salaries range from the thirty thousands up to several hundred thousand annually. This all depends on the level of education you have, your years of experience, and your specialized training.

If you only have a high school diploma, you will likely start on the lowest end of the spectrum, but can work your way up to a higher annual salary over time. If you start your career with an advanced degree such as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, you will start out with a higher salary which will only increase as you gain experience in the field.

How to Maximize Earnings in Finance Jobs 

The finance industry can be cutthroat. Because of this, it is considered to be one of the most competitive industries in which you can get a job. This means that it’s essential to make yourself stand out if you want to maximize your earning potential in this industry. 

You can get a job in finance without a degree.

However, the more education and experience you have, the higher your salary will be. In addition to a high school diploma, consider getting an associate’s, degree, a bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree. For some coveted jobs in the finance industry, higher education is a virtual necessity. Candidates for specific roles may need an MBA or some other finance-related graduate degree to be considered.

Yes, it is possible to make the jump into finance after a background in a different area. You can strengthen your resume and whatever your background education is with additional coursework or continuing education studies in math, accounting, statistics, or specific financial studies.

Online schooling, continuing education, and certifications are very beneficial to obtain. You can take courses to help increase your financial knowledge through low cost platforms including LinkedIn Learning, or you could go through specialized associations including the Financial Management Association (FMA) to get certified.

FMA offers specialized certifications including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®),   Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) which are highly lucrative certifications. Obtaining a certification such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can also be extremely beneficial if you’re going down the accounting track.

When applying to a job in the finance industry, it can be very helpful if you are aware of current financial and economic events happening in the world. If you can create a talking point revolving around the US economy, the global economy, or a recent news story, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re aware of current events and trends happening in finance.

Regardless of which one of these finance industry positions you may be aiming for, the one requirement that is consistent across the board for getting the job is that you need to find ways to set yourself apart from other applicants. Use your experience, industry knowledge, and continuing education to do just that.

Skills Needed for Finance Jobs

If you want to get one of the best-paying jobs in finance, it’s crucial to have some key skills. Leadership, communication, and public speaking are very sought-after skills if you’re interested in working in a client facing role. If you’re focusing on reporting and accounting, you’ll want to brush up on your accounting skills. This doesn’t mean that you need to be an accountant, but you must be able to read financial data and financial documents to decipher key information.

Skills Needed for Financial Jobs:

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Additionally, in this day and age, it is essential to be computer literate to obtain a job in finance. So much is done virtually that if you aren’t computer and tech-savvy, you’ll struggle with the day-to-day operations in the finance field.

Since some facets of finance are incredibly technical, you’ll also need to be proficient with data analysis, analytical thinking, and critical thinking. This will play into your ability to effectively make financial decisions. Furthermore, if you’re interested in the information technology side of finance, you’ll need to be very tech-savvy, and have technical knowledge of various software, hardware, and finance platforms.

For many jobs in finance, it is essential to have financial reporting skills, communication skills, and investment knowledge to assist clients with their investments.

Best Entry-Level Positions in Finance

These entry-level positions are great for those who are interested in finance, but don’t have a ton of experience behind them.

Whether you are just starting out, a recent college graduate, or are making a career shift into the finance industry, these are the roles for you. Many of these roles do require higher education but do not require a lot of on-the-job experience. 

1. Financial Analyst

Job Description: Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit. Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $91,580 in May 2021.

2. Junior Tax Associate/Accountant

Job Description: Accountants and junior tax associates report to a more senior-level tax associate or accountant, and prepare/examine financial records and taxes as needed.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required to become an accountant. Completing certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), may improve job prospects.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for accountants was $77,250 in May 2021.

3. Budget Analyst

Job Description: Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances. Budget analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Courses in accounting, economics, and statistics are helpful.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for budget analysts was $79,940 in May 2021.

4. Actuary

Job Description: Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.

Actuaries typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation and must pass a series of exams to become certified. They must have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and business.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for actuaries was $105,900 in May 2021.

5. Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Job Description: Compensation and benefits specialists oversee wage and nonwage programs that an organization provides to its employees in return for their work. They also evaluate position descriptions to determine details such as classification and salary. You typically need a bachelor’s degree for this role.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists was $64,120 in May 2021.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance

There is always competition when it comes to finding a job, particularly in this market due to the increased number of applicants as a result of recent layoffs.

With this in mind, that level increases significantly when talking about the highest-paying financial career positions. These are the positions that have the highest return on investment and can have the highest earning potential both now and as you further develop your career.

6. Financial Software Developer

Job Description: Financial software developers work in the growing Fintech space to create software programs that meet the needs of financial institutions and end-users.

Annual Salary: Financial software developers make between $53,000 and $106,000, with an average salary of $73,676.

7. Trader

Job Description: A trader’s primary responsibilities are to buy and sell financial instruments and assets. The specific job duties you have as a trader depends on the particular sector of trading in which you work.

Annual Salary: The average salary for a trader is $94,075 per year in United States.

8. Analytics Director

Job Description: Analytics directors oversee the data analytics and data warehousing departments at a company. They are also required to take the lead on all data analytics systems and ensure that the department aligns with the company’s priorities.

Annual Salary: Analytics directors make between $97,500 and $157,500 per year.

9. Investment Banker

Job Description: Investment bankers help their clients raise money in capital markets by issuing debt or selling equity in the companies. They may also assist clients with mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and advise them on unique investment opportunities such as derivatives.

Annual Salary: The average base salary for an investment banker is about $83,660 per year.

10. Cost Estimator

Job Description: Cost estimators  provide accurate estimates for building and construction projects. For this job, cost estimators estimate the cost, scope, and magnitude of the project to create a financial overview.

Annual Salary: The average salary for a cost estimator is $77,640 per year in United States.

11. Financial Manager

Job Description: Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.

Financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and 5 years or more of experience in another business or financial occupation, such as accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for financial managers was $131,710 in May 2021.

12. Financial Risk Manager

Job Description: Financial risk managers identify threats to assets, earning capacity, or the success of an organization. FRMs may work in financial services, banking, loan origination, trading, or marketing. Many specialize in areas like credit or market risk.

Annual Salary: The average financial risk manager salary is $100,730 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $89,923 and $116,354.

13. Economist

Job Description: Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services. \Economists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. However, some entry-level jobs—primarily in the federal government—are available for workers with a bachelor’s degree.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for economists was $105,630 in May 2021.

14. Private Equity Associate

Job Description: Private equity associates work in investment banking to find potential investors. They also assist with acquired investments and perform due diligence with existing customers of an investment bank. 

Annual Salary: In 2022, the average annual compensation for a private equity associate with less than three years of experience was $99,000. The nationwide average salary range was $54,000 to $180,000.

15. Hedge Fund Manager

Job Description: Hedge fund managers oversee private investor portfolios by purchasing investments according to the fund’s overall strategy. Hedge funds and other private investment partnerships primarily serve the investment needs of high net worth individuals (HNWI) and large institutional investors.

Annual Salary: The average hedge fund manager salary is $136,723 in the US.

16. Senior Accountant

Job Description: A senior accountant analyzes various transactions and prepares monthly, quarterly, or annual financial statements. They also run reports throughout the year that help monitor aspects they’re responsible for on an ongoing basis.

Annual Salary: The base salary for senior accountant ranges from $77,690 to $95,090 with the average base salary of $85,890.

17. Private Equity Analyst

Job Description: Private equity analysts liaise with the senior members of private equity firms to acquire intelligence on existing and potential investments and internally get the work done with cross departmental teammates.

Annual Salary: The base salary for private equity analyst ranges from $65,232 to $91,816. The average base salary of $76,655.

18. Internal Auditor 

Job Description: Internal auditors ensure that all the business processes in a company are risk-management compliant.

Annual Salary: The base salary for internal auditor I ranges from $57,273 to $68,547. The average base salary of $62,411.

19. Private Banking Analyst

Job Description: Private banking analysts advise on financial strategies, build investment portfolios, provide research and analysis, or assist with product development.

Annual Salary: The average private banking analyst salary is $83,753 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $73,933 and $95,024.

20. Anti-Money Laundering Investigator

Job Description: Anti-money laundering (AML) investigators are responsible for conducting timely, special, and complex investigations. Investigations are related to suspected money laundering, terrorism finance, or other related financial crimes

Annual Salary: As of February 2023, the average annual pay for an anti-money laundering investigator in the United States is $64,014 a year.

21. Tax Director

Job Description: Tax directors create and implement a strategic tax plan for the company they work for. Job duties include preparing and filing tax documents and returns, including those for payroll and income tax. Additionally, tax directors may write detailed tax reports and address any tax errors or issues that arise.

Annual Salary: The average tax director salary in the United States is $187,556 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $166,302 and $211,692.

22. Information Technology Auditor

Job Description: Information technology (IT) auditors are responsible for planning, coordinating, conducting, and reporting on IT audits of networks, applications, system development, and corporate systems and processes.

Annual Salary: The average salary for an information technology auditor is $77,000 per year. This equates to about $37 per hour in United States.

23. Personal Finance Advisor

Job Description: Personal finance advisors assess the financial needs of individuals. They also help them with decisions on investments (such as stocks and bonds), tax laws, and insurance. Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. A master’s degree and certification may improve chances for advancement.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $94,170 in May 2021.

24. Chief Compliance Officer

Job Description: Chief compliance officers (CCOs) are responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring the processes by which the company will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Annual Salary: The base salary for chief compliance officer ranges from $218,301 to $308,101. The average base salary of $259,501.

25. Chief Financial Officer

Job Description: Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are senior executives responsible for managing the financial actions of their company. They are often in charge of tracking cash flow, analyzing strengths and weaknesses in the company’s finances, and overseeing its financial success.

Annual Salary: The base salary for Chief Financial Officer ranges from $321,409 to $540,229. The average base salary of $422,786.

Finance Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree

These roles do require some financial savviness. Ideally, you have strong attention to detail, must be good with numbers, and must be fond of the financial industry.

One of the most significant aspects of the next set of jobs is that you don’t need a higher education to be hired. These roles often offer on-the-job training for new hires.

This allows companies to train new employees to their specifications and standards. If you do have any specialized training or prior related experience, this would be beneficial to showcase on your resume when applying for one of these roles.

26. Insurance Claims Adjuster

Job Description: Insurance claims adjusters evaluate insurance claims for accuracy and to identify potential fraud. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for a person to work as an entry-level claims adjuster.

Annual Salary: The median annual wage for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators was $65,080 in May 2021.

27. Insurance Advisor

Job Description: Insurance advisors provide a range of insurance-related advice to individual customers. This career involves financial management, client sales, and business advice for customers.

Annual Salary: The average Insurance advisor salary is $61,238 as of January 26, 2023. The salary range typically falls between $51,859 and $66,372.

28. Bank Teller

Job Description: Bank tellers process routine operations in a bank. This includes cashing checks, depositing or withdrawing money, answering client questions, and issuing savings bonds.

Annual Salary: The average Bank Teller I salary in the United States is $31,030 as of January 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $28,560 and $33,940.

29. Loan Officer

Job Description: Loan officers review, authorize, and recommend loans for approval.

Annual Salary: Loan officers made a median salary of $63,380 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $98,130 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $47,490.

30. Credit Analyst 

Job Description: Credit analysts gather and review financial data about loan applicants. This includes their payment habits and history, earnings and savings, and spending patterns.

Annual Salary: The base salary for a credit analyst I ranges from $50,119 to $61,986. The average base salary of $55,790.