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 $99,890 per year and faster than average projected job growth.

Median pay

$99,890/yr

Typical range

$60,220 to $176,140

Job growth

Openings / yr

27,400

Majors that lead here

Mathematics Business Administration Finance Accounting Economics

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

Actuary$120,000 median
Management Consultant$99,410 median
Accountant$79,880 median
Real Estate Agent$56,620 median

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Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.