Portfolio Manager Salary in 2026
Manage investment portfolios for individuals or institutions to achieve financial objectives.
Median Salary
$145,000
$12,083/mo
Entry Level
$95,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$225,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Portfolio Manager Overview
Manage investment portfolios for individuals or institutions to achieve financial objectives.
Education
Bachelor's/MBA
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
35K
5-Year Growth
+25%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$69.71/hr
Monthly Pay
$12,083
Portfolio Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Portfolio Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Portfolio Manager Salary
$181,000
$15,083/month · $6,962/biweekly · $87.02/hr
Portfolio Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Portfolio Manager field.
Entry-level Portfolio Managers earn around $95,000, while the top 10% earn $287,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Portfolio Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $171,000 | +$26,000 |
| New York | $167,000 | +$22,000 |
| Massachusetts | $162,000 | +$17,000 |
| Connecticut | $160,000 | +$15,000 |
| Illinois | $151,000 | +$6,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Portfolio Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $181,000 | +$36,000 |
| New York | $171,000 | +$26,000 |
| Stamford | $167,000 | +$22,000 |
| Boston | $162,000 | +$17,000 |
| Chicago | $152,000 | +$7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Portfolio Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Portfolio Manager from entry level to expert.
$95,000
0-2 years
$160,000
3-7 years
$225,000
8-14 years
$350,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Portfolio Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a Portfolio Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a Portfolio Manager in the United States is $145,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $95,000, while senior professionals earn up to $225,000. Top earners in the field can make $350,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Portfolio Manager?
A Portfolio Manager typically requires a Bachelor's/MBA with 5-10 years of experience. Key skills include Portfolio Construction, Risk Management, Asset Allocation. Relevant certifications such as CFA or CAIA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Portfolio Managers?
The job market for Portfolio Managers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 35K Portfolio Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 25%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Portfolio Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for Portfolio Managers include New York, California, Connecticut. In New York, the median salary is approximately $167,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Portfolio Manager salary?
To increase your Portfolio Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Portfolio Construction and Risk Management. Pursue certifications such as CFA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 5-10 years of experience, you can progress from $95,000 to $225,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Portfolio Manager Salary
How we calculate Portfolio Manager 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: $145,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Portfolio Manager in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($95,000) and senior-level ($225,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 35K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 25% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's/MBA, 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 $145,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Portfolio Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Portfolio Manager 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: Portfolio Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Portfolio Construction, Risk Management, Asset Allocation), 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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