Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. PayThe median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $102,740 in May 2025.The median annual wage for financial risk specialists was $117,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $102,740 in May 2025.The median annual wage for financial risk specialists was $117,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Financial analysts research and evaluate financial data, forecast future trends, and prepare reports containing recommendations for businesses and investors.
Work Environment
Financial analysts typically work in an office setting. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Financial Analyst
Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $102,740 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for financial risk specialists was $117,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Financial analysts typically work in an office setting. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Financial Analyst
Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $102,740 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for financial risk specialists was $117,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 29,500 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for financial analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of financial analysts with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about financial analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.