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.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
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
How to Become a Financial Analyst Financial analysts should have strong analytical skills. Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation.
Education
Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field such as business. Some employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a master’s degree. Students often benefit from completing internships, which can help them to gain practical experience.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the main licensing organization for the securities industry. Some financial analyst positions may require licensure. Because most of the licenses require sponsorship by an employer, companies do not expect individuals to have these licenses before starting a job. Although not always required, certification may enhance professional standing. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement As financial analysts gain experience, they may advance to become portfolio or fund managers and select the mix of investments and assets for an investment fund. Having a master’s degree in finance or business administration may improve an analyst’s chances of advancing to one of these positions.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Demand for financial analysts generally increases with overall economic activity. These workers are expected to be needed to evaluate investment opportunities when new businesses are established or as existing businesses expand. In addition, investing has become more global, and some financial analysts specialize in a particular country or world region. Their expertise is expected to be in demand to assess investment strategies in these international markets. Financial analysts also will be needed to assess growing volumes of data. Their analysis will help businesses manage their finances, identify investment trends, reduce risk, and deliver new products or services to clients. Financial Analysts Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Financial analysts 7% Financial and investment analysts 7% Financial risk specialists 7% Financial specialists 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Financial Analysts Do
Financial analysts research and evaluate financial data, forecast future trends, and prepare reports containing recommendations for businesses and investors.
Duties
Financial analysts typically do the following:
- Research and recommend investments
- Evaluate current and historical financial data
- Study economic and business trends
- Examine a company’s financial statements to determine its value and growth prospects
- Meet with company officials to gain better insight into the company’s prospects
- Prepare written reports and presentations
Financial analysts generally focus on trends affecting a specific geographical region, industry, or type of product. For example, they may focus on a subject area or a foreign exchange market. They must understand how economic trends, new regulations, policies, and political situations may affect investments.
The following are examples of types of financial analysts:
Financial and investment analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions. They rate and recommend investments based on their analysis of businesses and economic or industry trends. They may use financial modeling to forecast earnings growth or price movements.
Financial risk specialists, also called financial risk analysts, assess and measure exposure to credit and market risk. To quantify risks, they might use statistical analysis software or econometric models. They develop policies and procedures to monitor risk and ensure that companies adhere to regulatory guidelines. They also make recommendations to help limit risk and mitigate losses.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Financial and investment analysts held about 377,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of financial and investment analysts were as follows:
| Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities | 24% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 14 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 12 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 11 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 6 |
Financial risk specialists held about 66,000 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of financial risk specialists were as follows:
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 35% |
| Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities | 15 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 14 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 9 |
Financial analysts work primarily in offices but may travel to visit companies or clients.
Work Schedules
Most financial analysts work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Financial analysts evaluate a range of information using financial modeling and statistical techniques. Communication skills. Financial analysts must clearly explain their research and recommendations in writing and through presentations. Computer skills. Financial analysts evaluate financial data and trends, measure risks, and make forecasts using software. Decision-making skills. Financial analysts reach conclusions and make a determination on how to rate a security. Detail oriented. Financial analysts thoroughly examine relevant data and research to identify possible errors or risks. Math skills. Financial analysts use mathematics and financial modeling to determine the value of financial securities, assess risks, and forecast future growth.
More Information
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.
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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.