How to Become a Financial Analyst
Assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments to guide business decisions. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $102,740 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$102,740/yr
Typical range
$63,720 to $180,860
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
25,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Financial Modeling
- Data Analysis
- Investment Analysis
- Excel
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- CFP
- Series 7
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
72/100
Work-life balance
62/100
Stress level
55/100
Satisfaction
73/100
Related careers
- Financial Manager$166,570 median
- Actuary$130,000 median
- Personal Financial Advisor$105,070 median
- Management Consultant$101,860 median
- Financial Examiner$94,160 median
- Budget Analyst$91,640 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Financial Analyst make?
The median pay for a Financial Analyst is $102,740 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $63,720 to $180,860, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Financial Analyst?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, and Mathematics.
Is Financial Analyst a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 25,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Financial Analyst use most?
Common skills for this role are Financial Modeling, Data Analysis, Investment Analysis, Excel, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.