11 Best-Paying Jobs in Finance

A career in finance can be a lucrative choice when it comes to earning potential. While entry-level salaries tend to be higher than average, some of the best-paying jobs in this area come with experience. Explore different high-paying careers in finance. Afterward, build your financial skills with Duke University's Financial Management Specialization.

11 of the best-paying jobs in finance

The best-paying jobs in finance span a variety of roles. That being said, you will find that you can often secure a higher salary as you gain experience and licensure, or align yourself with higher-paying industries or sectors. The list below includes the average US salary for each position, job outlook information according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the minimum education and experience requirements.

*All average annual salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of July 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. Certified public accountant (CPA)

Average annual US salary: $135,878

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [1]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree, two years of experience, and CPA licensure. Once licensed, CPAs maintain their credentials through continuing education and adherence to professional ethics standards.

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a financial professional who has gained state licensure to offer services like tax preparation, auditing, and financial advising. They have gained experience as accountants and taken extra educational and credentialing steps to certify their knowledge. As such, CPAs can work for individuals or companies, and are needed across industries for their expertise.

2. Senior accountant 

Average annual US salary: $112,889

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [1]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and around six years of experience [2].  

Senior accountants manage complex accounting operations, oversee junior staff, prepare financial statements, maintain general ledgers, and ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulations within a company, government agency, or for an individual. The role typically requires in-depth financial knowledge as well as leadership skills. While many senior accountants are also licensed as CPAs, that credential is often not required for this position. more opportunities, but it's not a requirement for the role.

3. Investment banker

Average annual US salary: $280,068

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [3]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in finance or a similar area, such as business administration or accounting. Certain companies may require an MBA.

Investment bankers serve as financial advisors to corporations, governments, and institutions. They help raise capital through mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), bond issuances, and other complex financial transactions. They typically work in teams to analyze market conditions, create detailed financial models, prepare pitch books, conduct due diligence, negotiate deals, and structure financial transactions.

4. Financial analyst

Average annual US salary: $106,456 

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [4]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates with a more advanced degree, such as an MBA.  

Financial analysts help guide companies and individuals to make the best financial choices. This may include preparing reports and analyses, meeting with business leaders and executives, and reviewing financial statements.

5. Financial manager

Average annual US salary: $154,063

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [5]

Requirements: Bachelor's degree and seven years of experience [6].

Financial managers lead departments to set financial goals, direct financial activities, develop long-term financial plans, and sometimes oversee a staff of financial professionals.

6. Portfolio manager

Average annual US salary: $103,939

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [5]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and seven years of experience [7].

Portfolio managers make investment decisions and manage a collection of financial assets on behalf of individuals, companies, or institutions like mutual funds or pension funds. They analyze market conditions, research investment opportunities, make buy/sell decisions, monitor portfolio performance, and adjust investment strategies while maintaining alignment with their clients' goals and risk tolerance levels.

7. Financial risk manager

Average annual US salary: $181,615

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [5]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and six to eight years of experience [8].

Financial risk managers identify, analyze, and develop strategies to mitigate various financial risks that could impact an organization's financial health and stability. They use complex mathematical models and analytical tools to assess potential risks, establish risk management policies, monitor risk exposure levels, and create contingency plans.

8. Personal financial advisor

Average annual US salary: $188,199

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [9]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and five years of experience [10].

Personal financial advisors are a specific type of financial advisor who work with individuals to manage their money and achieve their financial goals. They provide guidance on investments, retirement planning, insurance, taxes, estate planning, and other financial matters. They also assess their clients' financial situations, create comprehensive financial plans, recommend specific investments or financial products, and regularly review and adjust strategies based on a change in circumstances.

9. Private equity associate

Average annual US salary: $158,4521 

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related major, such as accounting or statistics.

Private equity associates help identify, evaluate, and execute investment opportunities in private companies, working closely with senior team members across the investment lifecycle. They often conduct detailed financial analysis, market research, and due diligence to assess potential deals for their firm. They also create financial models, support deal negotiations, monitor a portfolio's performance, and assist with exit strategies. 

10. Hedge fund manager

Average annual US salary: $196,935

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [3]

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and ten years of experience. Some firms may expect an MBA.

Hedge fund managers oversee hedge funds, which can be a high-value, high-return investment for individuals or firms of investors. They evaluate investments, execute investment strategy, and act quickly in high-risk, high-reward environments. Hedge funds operate under different rules than other types of investments, and they tend to employ more aggressive trading tactics. 

11. Chief financial officer (CFO)

Average annual US salary: $312,461

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [11]

Requirements: A master's degree or MBA. Some companies may expect CPA licensure or other credentialing.

Chief financial officers (CFOs) are C-suite executives who lead an organization's financial strategy and operations, overseeing everything from accounting and budgeting to regulatory compliance and financial planning. They manage the finance department while working closely with other executive leaders to shape company strategy and ensure long-term financial health.

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