Financial analysts | Data USA (2024)

FAQs

Is it hard to get hired as a financial analyst? ›

In this highly competitive job market, a master's degree gives an applicant a boost. A successful career as a financial analyst requires strong quantitative skills, expert problem-solving abilities, adeptness in logic, and above-average communication skills.

Financial Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the median pay in 2021 for Financial Analysts was $96,000. Financial analytics is ranked as the 13th best business job currently available.

There were over 373,000 available Financial Analyst positions in 2021. The unemployment was 4.1% for Financial Analysts in 2021. In the decade from 2021-2031, financial analytics is projected to experience a 9% growth rate. This is above the national average.

Do you need a CFA to be a financial analyst? No. Financial analysts do not need the CFA credential to work in the field, but employers may prefer individuals with certification. Candidates with a relevant degree alone can qualify for entry-level positions.

The finance industry is famously hard-charging, especially at the junior levels, and you need to show you can handle it and more. Good references are valuable no matter what, but, more importantly, impressing your bosses during an internship can be a great way to open doors for a future full-time job with that company.

Financial Analysts made a median salary of $90,680 in 2022. The best-paid 25% made $131,340 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $64,390.

The need to manage risk

Financial analysts need to be able to manage risk effectively. This means being able to identify and assess risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. Despite these challenges, analysts play a significant role in the finance sector.

In order to get an entry-level financial analyst job, you first need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. You should also have a strong background in data, as well as excellent analytical skills. You need to be able to navigate various software in order to write and put together your reports.

Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 27,400 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Most financial analysts work 40 hours a week during regular office hours. However, your employer might ask you to arrive early, stay late or work over the weekend when you have a deadline approaching.

Is there a high demand for financial analysts? ›

Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 27,400 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Minimum GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA required, 3.5 GPA preferred. Certifications: All are optional: Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), Certified Public Accountant® (CPA), or MBA.

With the increasing complexity of financial markets and the need for data-driven decision-making, professionals with strong analytical and quantitative skills are particularly in demand.

Unlike in social and human sciences, careers in the financial field often require professional certifications, so the information that you learn in your degree is specifically tailored to helping you earn those certifications. This is another reason finance degrees are considered to be difficult.