15+ Best-Paying Jobs in Finance in 2024

The best-paying jobs in finance include top-level executive positions and some relatively entry-level careers, like financial analysts. Careers in business and finance have a median annual salary of $76,850 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — that salary is significantly higher than the national median for all occupations ($46,310.) In other words, the finance industry pays well across the board. 

Using BLS data, we’ve pulled together some of the highest-paying finance jobs  and identified a few high-salary entry-level finance careers you can get even if you don’t have a degree!

15 Best Paying Jobs in Finance

High paying finance jobs include management-level roles in financial services institutions and careers that require specialized skills and knowledge, like financial analysis or investment banking. While these are some of the highest paying finance jobs in general, you may see higher or lower wages depending on your location, company, and experience level.

1. Chief Executives 

Average annual salary: $246,440
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: -8%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s or master’s degree and extensive experience

Chief executives, such as chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs), are responsible for overseeing all activities within a company, so their high salary comes with a lot of responsibility. CFOs in particular manage the finances of a company. Since this is a top-level position, this role requires many years of experience in the industry. Being a chief executive is also one of the highest-paying jobs overall. Although the average salary for chief executives is less than some medical careers, many of the wealthiest people in the world are CEOs.

2. Financial Managers

Average annual salary: $166,050
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 16% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and several years of experience in a financial role

Financial managers are high-ranking professionals who create long-term financial plans for organizations. A financial manager may take on different and specific job titles, such as treasurer, controller, or cash manager. They can also specialize in different areas of finance, like investment management or managing an accounting team.  This isn’t an entry-level position. Rather, it’s a career for someone with extensive experience working in financial services.

3. Personal Finance Advisers

Average annual salary: $137,740
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 13% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in any field, though finance, business, and economics degrees are especially helpful

Personal finance advisers, and financial advisers in general, are responsible for guiding clients through challenging financial decisions. For example, some personal financial advisers specialize in estate planning and retirement funds. Financial advisers who help clients with  investing decisions (like buying or selling stocks and bonds) may be required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, certain certifications, like a certified financial planner (CFP) designation, can be beneficial for career advancement.

4. Economists

Average annual salary: $128,180
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 6% 
Education requirement: A master’s degree in economics, though some entry-level positions may accept applicants with only a bachelor’s degree

Economists research and report on issues related to fiscal policies, the use of goods and services, and economic trends. Some economists specialize in a specific area of the economy, such as health care or manufacturing. To advance in this career, you may need a Ph.D. in economics. A related career path, becoming a college professor in economics, is also an excellent career option with an annual salary of $122,750 on average and a similar growth rate over the next decade.

>>MORE: Explore the top jobs for economics majors in 2024. 

5. Financial Risk Specialists 

Average annual salary: $116,140
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 8%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 

Financial risk specialists are a type of financial analyst specializing in assessing risks for companies. These risks include taking on a new investment or changes in the economy at large. A financial risk specialist’s goal is to ensure the company they work for is able to weather whatever risks it undertakes. In addition to researching and analyzing risks, these specialists make recommendations on how the company can improve its standing and maximize profits. 

>>MORE: Curious about other careers in risk assessment? Check out how actuaries use data and science to help companies understand their risks.

6. Data Scientists

Average annual salary: $115,240
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 35%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 

While data science isn’t only for the finance industry, financial institutions rely heavily on the data-driven decision-making power of data scientists. Data science is a rapidly growing field, and the skills used in this field strongly overlap with financial analyst roles, especially quantitative analysts. Some colleges and universities offer degrees specifically in data science, but a foundation in coding, statistics, and mathematics is vital for data scientists.  

7. Financial and Investment Analysts 

Average annual salary: $108,790
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 8% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

A financial analyst typically works under a financial manager, forecasting a company’s financial future. They exist in many different sectors of the finance world, including banking, insurance, and private equity. Certain specialized financial analysts, like investment bankers, often see even higher salaries, particularly if they work for a major investment banking company. Many financial and investment analysts focus on one sector or industry, like real estate, mergers and acquisitions, or foreign exchange markets.

8. Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Average annual salary: $100,740
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 7% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents is a broad classification that includes a variety of different roles. These roles include investment bankers, brokers, financial planners, and insurance sales agents. Working in financial sales often requires being registered with the SEC, and it can be helpful for career advancement to have a master’s degree or a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA).

9. Financial Examiners

Average annual salary: $95,610
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 20%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 

Financial examiners specialize in the intersection between finance and law — they ensure companies comply with regulations and that nothing is mismanaged. This career typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree and financial examiners can progress in their career through certifications from the Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE). 

>>MORE: See some of the best careers in law that don’t require becoming a lawyer.

10. Budget Analysts

Average annual salary: $87,680
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 3% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 

Put simply, budget analysts analyze budgets — they review an organization’s spending and find ways to improve the company’s financial situation. A budget analyst can work for any type of organization, company, institution, or government entity. Budget analysts generally benefit from certain finance-focused certifications, such as the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential. 

>>MORE: Studying finance? Check out the best jobs for finance majors in 2024.

11. Accountants and Auditors

Average annual salary: $86,740
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 4%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Accountants and auditors often deal with taxes for a company, but they are also key players in analyzing a company’s finances to find areas of improvement, auditing a company’s financial records to ensure compliance with laws, and recommending ways companies can minimize risk. It’s possible to get into accounting without a bachelor’s degree by starting as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. However, accountants who file reports with the SEC need certified public accountant (CPA) certifications. 

>>MORE: Learn the differences between accountants and auditors.

12. Loan Officers

Average annual salary: $84,160
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 3% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 

Loan officers assist clients with financing options like personal loans, mortgages, and business loans. They help determine what loans their client is eligible for based on certain risk factors such as debt and credit score. Depending on their area of expertise, loan officers may need specific licenses. For example, mortgage loan officers must be licensed as mortgage loan originators (MLOs).

>>MORE: Learn the difference between loan officers and underwriters. 

13. Insurance Underwriters

Average annual salary: $82,990
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: -2% 
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and specialized certifications

Insurance underwriters are the gatekeepers to getting an insurance policy. They review applications for insurance coverage and determine how risky it would be to offer a policy. Underwriters may need specific certifications for the insurance products they underwrite, such as a particular designation for underwriting health insurance or life insurance.

As technology advances, some aspects of the underwriting process are being automated through algorithms and artificial intelligence. As a result, employment of underwriters is expected to decline over the coming decade.

14. Market Research Analysts

Average annual salary: $78,880
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: 13%
Education requirement: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Market research analysts work in a variety of industries determining how much or how well a product or service can sell. They pour through data on demographics and market trends to help companies determine what products consumers want and how much they’re willing to pay. Market and marketing analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in something statistics- or research-intensive. Additionally, experience or interest in marketing can be useful for this career. 

15. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Average annual salary: $73,380
Projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031: -3%
Education requirement: A high school diploma, though a bachelor’s degree is often preferred

When you file an insurance claim, claims adjusters investigate the details to figure out how much the insurer should pay. They are experts on what is and isn’t covered by insurance policies and negotiate settlements with insured parties. Similarly to underwriters, certain aspects of the claims investigation and adjustment process are now automated, so employment of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators isn’t expected to increase in coming years.  

>>MORE: See what some of the highest paying jobs in the U.S. are for 2024.

High Paying Jobs in Finance: Entry-Level Roles

Finance is a rapidly growing industry — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the business and finance field should have around 911,400 openings each year from 2022 to 2032. There are ample opportunities to break into a career in finance, even if you’re just starting out or don’t have a college degree. 

Some of the best paying jobs in finance for entry-level applicants include:  

• Real estate broker: requires a high school diploma or GED and has an average salary of $90,930 
• Tax examiner: requires a bachelor’s degree and has an average salary of  $64,410
• Financial clerk: requires a high school diploma or GED and has an average salary of $49,710
• Bookkeeper: usually requires some college but no degree and has an average salary of $47,440
• Bank teller: requires a high school diploma or GED and has an average salary of $36,800

Ready to start learning the skills you need for a career in finance? Check out Forage’s free banking and financial services job simulations. 

Source: Salary and job growth data accessed from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mar 2024.

Image credit: Canva