Financial Analyst Salary in 2026
Financial analysts evaluate financial data, build models, and provide investment recommendations to businesses and individuals. They analyze market trends and company performance.
Median Salary
$82,000
$6,833/mo
Entry Level
$58,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$122,000
experienced
Job Growth
+9%
10-yr outlook
Financial Analyst Overview
Financial analysts evaluate financial data, build models, and provide investment recommendations to businesses and individuals. They analyze market trends and company performance.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
320K
5-Year Growth
+20%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$39.42/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,833
Financial Analyst Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Financial Analyst salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Financial Analyst Salary
$100,000
$8,333/month · $3,846/biweekly · $48.08/hr
Financial Analyst Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Financial Analyst field.
Entry-level Financial Analysts earn around $58,000, while the top 10% earn $138,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Financial Analysts
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $94,000 | +$12,000 |
| Massachusetts | $92,000 | +$10,000 |
| Illinois | $85,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $80,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Financial Analysts
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $103,000 | +$21,000 |
| New York | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| Boston | $92,000 | +$10,000 |
| Chicago | $86,000 | +$4,000 |
| Dallas | $82,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Financial Analyst Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Financial Analyst from entry level to expert.
$58,000
0-2 years
$90,000
3-7 years
$122,000
8-14 years
$154,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Financial Analyst Salary FAQ
How much does a Financial Analyst make in 2026?
The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the United States is $82,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $58,000, while senior professionals earn up to $122,000. Top earners in the field can make $154,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Financial Analyst?
A Financial Analyst typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Financial Modeling, Excel, SQL. Relevant certifications such as CFA Level I or Financial Modeling Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Financial Analysts?
The job market for Financial Analysts is projected to grow by 9% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 320K Financial Analyst positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 20%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Financial Analysts the most?
The highest-paying states for Financial Analysts include New York, California, Illinois. In New York, the median salary is approximately $94,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Financial Analyst salary?
To increase your Financial Analyst salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Financial Modeling and Excel. Pursue certifications such as CFA Level I. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $58,000 to $122,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Financial Analyst Salary
How we calculate Financial Analyst salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $82,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Financial Analyst in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($58,000) and senior-level ($122,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +9% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 320K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 20% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $82,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Financial Analyst compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Financial Analyst job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Financial Analyst salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Financial Modeling, Excel, SQL), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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