Financial Analyst Salary Overview
Salaries for Financial Analysts vary based on experience, geographic location, industry specialization, and certifications like CFA. Analysts in finance-heavy cities or those working in investment banking or tech typically earn more.
National Average: $65,000 - $120,000 per year
Experience-Based Salary Ranges
Entry Level (0-2 years)
$60,000 - $75,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)
$75,000 - $95,000
Senior Level (6-9 years)
$95,000 - $115,000
Manager/Director (10+ years)
$115,000 - $150,000+
Entry Level (0-2 years)
- Supports forecasting and financial modeling tasks
- Works under supervision to analyze financial statements
- Prepares reports and dashboards for internal teams
- Gains familiarity with tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau
Mid Level (3-5 years)
- Builds financial models and presents analysis to stakeholders
- Conducts variance and sensitivity analysis
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams for budget planning
- Develops performance metrics and tracks KPIs
Senior Level (6-9 years)
- Leads strategic financial planning and forecasting initiatives
- Advises leadership on M&A and capital investments
- Manages junior analysts and review reports
- Utilizes advanced modeling and visualization tools
Manager/Director (10+ years)
- Drives enterprise-wide financial strategy and budget alignment
- Oversees investor reporting and board-level communications
- Shapes long-term growth and profitability goals
- Leads finance teams and organizational planning
Regional Salary Variations
Salaries for Financial Analysts vary significantly by location. Urban financial centers like New York and San Francisco tend to offer higher salaries, while smaller cities provide balanced compensation and cost of living.
New York City
$80,000 - $135,000
San Francisco
$85,000 - $140,000
Chicago
$75,000 - $115,000
Los Angeles
$78,000 - $120,000
Dallas
$70,000 - $110,000
Atlanta
$68,000 - $105,000
Phoenix
$65,000 - $100,000
Remote (US-based)
$70,000 - $115,000
- High salaries in coastal cities often match high housing and tax costs
- Midwestern cities offer moderate pay with lower living expenses
- Remote roles offer location-agnostic pay with more flexibility
- Relocation packages and hybrid setups are increasingly common
Industry Salary Comparison
Financial Analysts can work in diverse industries, with pay varying based on profitability, regulation, and investment focus. High-growth and capital-intensive sectors tend to offer the highest compensation.
| Industry | Salary Range | Bonus/Equity | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Banking | $90,000 - $160,000 | High | Very Good |
| Technology | $85,000 - $140,000 | Moderate | Very Good |
| Healthcare | $75,000 - $120,000 | Low | Good |
| Retail & Consumer Goods | $70,000 - $110,000 | Moderate | Stable |
| Government & Nonprofit | $60,000 - $90,000 | Low | Limited |
Job Outlook and Career Growth
The role of Financial Analysts continues to evolve with demand increasing for data-driven insights, automation skills, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Growth in demand for analysts with automation and data science experience
- Expansion of roles in tech, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors
- Shift toward strategic business partner roles beyond traditional analysis
Salary Negotiation Tips
To negotiate effectively as a Financial Analyst, you must combine data-driven preparation with clear articulation of your business impact.
Preparation Strategies
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Research Benchmarks
Use platforms like Glassdoor or Levels.fyi to determine market-competitive salaries.
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Quantify Achievements
Prepare metrics showing your contributions to revenue, savings, or performance improvements.
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Certifications and Skills
CFA or advanced modeling skills can justify higher compensation.
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Know Your BATNA
Have a clear understanding of your alternatives to walk away with confidence.
During Negotiation
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Lead with Value
Frame your pitch around ROI and value-add, not just expectations.
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Be Specific
Ask for a clear salary band based on your market research and current range.
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Negotiate Beyond Salary
Include bonuses, stock, education stipends, and remote flexibility.
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Stay Professional
Be assertive but respectful—highlight data, not emotion.
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Use Timing to Your Advantage
Negotiate after major deliverables or during performance reviews.