Finance Salaries Top Expectations
Compare salary data for different finance careers.
Finance Salaries are Competitive
Almost any finance job will bring you above average finance salaries. And, if you are willing to put in the time and effort—sustaining a fair amount of risk and pressure and performing well in your position—a finance job just might make you rich.
While financial planning careers sit at the lower end of the finance industry's salary spectrum, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growing demand for the job. Retiring baby boomers will have a greater need for financial planners and will thus create better future earning potential for these professionals.
The investment banking field is most competitive and subsequently provides skyrocketing salaries, but these jobs are mostly restricted to major banking centers, such as New York or Los Angeles, and demand exceedingly long hours. Corporate finance jobs sit mid-range, with compensation primarily tied to factors such as the amount of individual responsibility.
Median Annual Salaries for Finance Careers
| Median Annual Salary | |
|---|---|
| Financial Advisor | $64,750 |
| Actuary | $87,650 |
| Corporate Financial Analyst | $74,350 |
| Banker | $70,190 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data published March 27, 2012; Personal Financial Advisors; Actuaries; Financial Analysts; Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.