If you’re preparing for a career in finance, you should check out seven of the best paying finance jobs in the field. With a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business, you may even be able to earn a six-figure income.
Quickstart Guide To Getting A High-Paying Job In Finance
- Update your resume. Make sure your finance resume includes your experience, skills and qualifications. If you need help with your resume, we recommend working with a resume writing service.
- Apply for jobs on ZipRecruiter. If you are ready to land a job in finance, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
18 Of the Best Paying Finance Jobs
1. Financial Manager
Median National Salary: $138,790/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 792,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 16% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial managers direct investment activities, generate financial reports, and develop long-term financial plans for their companies. They work across a variety of industries, including investment firms, insurance companies, banks, and corporations. They also commonly supervise financial employees, and ensure legal requirements are being met by the organization.
Financial managers can include controllers, treasurers and financial officers, credit managers, cash managers, risk managers, and insurance managers.
For more information, check out our financial manager job description and our financial manager resume.
2. Financial Software Developer
Median National Salary: $124,200/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1,795,300 (includes all software developers)
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 25% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Software developers are employed in all areas of the economy, including finance. They develop and design computer applications and programs related to the finance industry. This can include software quality assurance and testing to identify problems. Software developers may create entirely new software or develop upgrades for existing programs and systems.
A bachelor’s degree in either computer science or information technology is required.
3. Financial Analysts
Median National Salary: $96,200/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 376,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial analysts guide both businesses and individuals in making financial decisions. This includes evaluating specific investments, as well as industry and macroeconomic data, including analyzing financial statements and historical financial data. They may even meet with company management to get better insight on the position of the business. Analysis can be done for the purpose of either buying or selling specific investments.
The entry-level requirement is a bachelor’s degree, typically in accounting, finance, or business. Some may also be required to have a Master’s degree. If the analyst will also sell financial products, they’ll need to be licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
4. Financial Examiner
Median National Salary: $82,210/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 65,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 20% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial examiners work to ensure compliance with laws governing institutions that handle money. They’ll monitor the condition of financial institutions, like banks, review financial statements, verify loan agreements, and prepare reports on the safety and soundness of the institution. Though many work for federal and state government agencies, positions in the finance and insurance industries are common.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or finance is required, and certain professional certifications are desirable, but not generally required. Some financial examiners are also CPAs.
5. Accountants
Median National Salary: $78,000/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1,538,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Accountants are a broad category that include certified public accountants, corporate and government accountants, and auditors. They both prepare and examine financial statements for accuracy and legal and regulatory compliance. They may also prepare tax returns, analysis of financial records, and provide guidance on how to reduce costs and improve revenues.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required for most accounting positions. But certified public accountants (CPAs) are required to pass a rigorous state issued examination and meet experience requirements. This owes to the fact that CPAs provide accounting and tax work for the general public, as well as issue audit opinions on the financial statements and financial positions of business entities.
For additional ideas, check out our guide to the best accounting careers and our accountant job description. If you are interested in becoming an accountant, learn how to create an accounting resume.
6. Financial Sales Agents
Median National Salary: $67,480/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 482,200
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial sales agents are a broad category of salespeople who may be engaged in the sale of securities, commodities, or financial services. The occupation involves substantial contact with both buyers and sellers in the financial industry. They may work with either existing clients or in obtaining new ones. They’ll provide advice on the purchase and sale of securities and may also sell those securities directly.
Though a bachelor’s degree is required to enter the field, financial sales agents require ongoing on-the-job training. This process helps them to stay on top of the fast-changing environment of the financial industry, as well as the complex regulatory environment it operates in.
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7. Loan Officers
Median National Salary: $65,740/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 3354,800
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: Loan officers act as lending institution representatives to businesses and consumers in need of financing. The officer may both actively solicit for new customers, and complete applications and paperwork for loan submissions. The loan officer may also verify borrowers’ financial information, as well as review and even approve loan applications.
Loan officers cover commercial loans, consumer loans, mortgage loans, and even loan collections. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business is required.
Related: Best Finance And Accounting Certifications To Enhance Your Career
8. Hedge Fund Manager
Median National Salary: $93,522/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 87,746
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: A hedge fund manager is responsible for overseeing the investment portfolios of a hedge fund, and making investment decisions to maximize returns for investors. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets and investment strategies, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to investment performance while ensuring that the fund meets regulatory and legal requirements.
Additional High-Paying Finance Jobs
9. Chief Compliance Officer
Median National Salary: $97,347/year
Job Duties: A Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for developing and implementing compliance programs to mitigate risks and ensure that an organization complies with regulatory requirements and internal policies. They must be knowledgeable about relevant laws, regulations, and contractual agreements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to compliance, while ensuring that the organization follows legal and ethical practices.
10. Private Equity Associate
Median National Salary: $106,111/year
Job Duties: A private equity associate is responsible for conducting market research, analyzing investment opportunities, and providing support for the due diligence process of private equity investments. They must be knowledgeable about financial analysis, investment valuation, and industry trends, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to private equity investments, while ensuring that the investments meet performance and safety standards.
11. Investment Banker
Median National Salary: $115,624/year
Job Duties: An investment banker is responsible for providing financial services and advice to corporations, governments, and other institutions, including underwriting and selling securities, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and providing strategic financial advice. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and communication skills to identify and address technical issues related to investment banking, while ensuring that the services meet industry standards and legal requirements.
12. Personal Finance Advisor
Median National Salary: $73,944/year
Job Duties: A personal finance advisor is responsible for providing financial advice and guidance to clients, including developing financial plans, analyzing investment opportunities, and providing advice on budgeting and debt management. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory requirements, and use communication and analytical skills to identify and address technical issues related to personal finance, while ensuring that the advice meets the needs and goals of the client.
13. Investment Specialist
Median National Salary: $67,903/year
Job Duties: An investment specialist is responsible for providing investment advice and assistance to clients, including identifying potential investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and managing client accounts. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory requirements, and use communication and analytical skills to identify and address technical issues related to investment performance, while ensuring that the investments meet the needs and goals of the client.
14. Economist
Median National Salary: $73,779/year
Job Duties: An economist is responsible for studying and analyzing economic data and trends, and providing advice and recommendations to individuals, businesses, and governments. They must be knowledgeable about economic theory, statistical analysis, and financial markets, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to economic performance, while ensuring that their recommendations are based on sound economic principles and research.
15. Internal Auditor
Median National Salary: $76,832/year
Job Duties: An internal auditor is responsible for evaluating and monitoring an organization's operations, financial performance, and compliance with regulations and policies. They must be knowledgeable about internal audit procedures, risk management, and control systems, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to the organization's performance and compliance, while ensuring that the audit meets industry standards and legal requirements.
16. Tax Director
Median National Salary: $184,496/year
Job Duties: A tax director is responsible for overseeing an organization's tax planning, compliance, and reporting activities, and ensuring that the organization is in compliance with tax laws and regulations. They must be knowledgeable about tax laws and regulations, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to tax obligations, while ensuring that the organization's tax strategy meets industry standards and legal requirements.
17. Treasury Manager
Median National Salary: $105,639/year
Job Duties: A treasury manager is responsible for managing an organization's financial assets, including cash balances, investments, and debt. They must be knowledgeable about financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to financial performance and risk management, while ensuring that the organization's financial strategy meets industry standards and legal requirements.
18. Budget Director
Median National Salary: $98,216/year
Job Duties: A budget director is responsible for developing and managing an organization's budget, including forecasting, planning, and monitoring financial activities. They must be knowledgeable about budgeting procedures, financial analysis, and regulatory requirements, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address technical issues related to budget performance, while ensuring that the budget meets the needs and goals of the organization.
Requirements And Skills To Work In Finance
A high-paying finance career can be both lucrative and rewarding, but it requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. The requirements and skills needed to work in finance can vary depending on the specific job and industry, but there are some common qualifications and abilities that are generally sought after. In this response, we will outline some of the key requirements and skills needed to work in finance.
Requirements To Work In Finance
- Education: Most finance jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, with many positions requiring a master's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.
- Licensing: Some finance jobs, such as those in investment banking or financial planning, require specific licenses or certifications, such as a Series 7 or CFP certification.
- Experience: Many finance jobs require previous experience in a related field, such as accounting or financial analysis.
Skills Needed To Work In Finance
- Analytical skills: Finance professionals need strong analytical skills to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Communication skills: Finance professionals need strong communication skills to explain complex financial concepts to clients and colleagues.
- Attention to detail: Finance professionals need to be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.
- Technical skills: Finance professionals need to be proficient in using financial software and tools, such as Excel, Bloomberg, and QuickBooks.
- Problem-solving skills: Finance professionals need to be able to identify and solve complex financial problems.
- Ethical and professional behavior: Finance professionals need to adhere to ethical and professional standards in their work, particularly when handling client funds.
Best Places To Find High-Paying Finance Jobs
If you’re ready to start applying for high-paying finance jobs, here are the best job posting sites to find job openings! If you need to refresh your resume prior to applying, check out our guide to finance resumes.
Online Job Posting Sites
Online job posting sites are one of the best places to find high-paying finance jobs. These sites allow job seekers to search for job opportunities based on their skills, experience, and location. Job seekers can create profiles, upload their resumes, and apply to job postings directly through these sites.
ZipRecruiter is the top job board in the industry. Jobseekers can use the site free of charge, post a resume, and create a detailed personal profile that will be more attractive to potential employers than a resume alone. But what we really like is that ZipRecruiter will give you access to more than 100 of the top online job boards in the industry. We recommend it as the go-to job board if you’re looking for finance jobs, or employment in any other field.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Professional Networking Sites
Professional networking sites like LinkedIn are another great place to find high-paying jobs. These sites allow job seekers to connect with professionals in their industry, join industry-specific groups, and search for job opportunities.
Job seekers can also showcase their skills, experience, and achievements on their profiles, making them more visible to potential employers.
Additionally, many companies use LinkedIn to recruit top talent, so job seekers may even be approached by recruiters for job opportunities.
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies are another option for job seekers looking for high-paying finance jobs. These agencies specialize in connecting job seekers with temporary or permanent job opportunities across various industries. Staffing agencies often have access to job opportunities that are not listed on job posting sites or company websites.
Additionally, staffing agencies may provide job seekers with resume and interview coaching, making them more competitive candidates for high-paying jobs.
Company Websites
Many companies list their job openings on their websites, making them a great place to find high-paying finance jobs. Job seekers can search for job opportunities based on the company, industry, location, and job title.
Additionally, job seekers can learn more about the company culture, benefits, and values, helping them determine if the company is a good fit for them. Job seekers can also set up job alerts on company websites, so they are notified when new job opportunities become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do finance majors make the most money?
As you can see from our list of seven of the highest-paying finance jobs, the two highest-paying categories are finance manager and financial software developer. Each pays a median salary well above $100,000 per year.
Do finance careers pay well?
Based on our list, at least seven finance careers do. You should also keep in mind that each is a relatively broad category that includes multiple applications. For example, a loan officer may offer mortgages, consumer loans, or commercial loans. Loan officers in certain categories can earn even higher pay than the average.
Can you get rich with a finance degree?
Because there are so many different positions within the finance field, it’s impossible to say that you can get rich as a general statement. But it is possible in certain positions, where you can earn a combination of salary, commissions, and bonuses that offer one of the highest compensation packages of any career.
What finance jobs are in demand?
Financial examiners, financial managers and financial software developers are in especially high demand. Each is expected to create more jobs than the average career field over the next decade.
The Bottom Line
Finance is one of the broadest career fields in the entire job market. Any one of the positions listed in this guide are likely to lead to a prosperous future. And because of the general nature of finance, it may be possible to start in one capacity and work up to a higher one. For example, you may start out as a loan officer, but eventually become a financial manager at higher pay.
Find your finance job on ZipRecruiter today!
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