What does a financial analyst do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Financial analysts research and evaluate financial data, forecast future trends, and prepare reports containing recommendations for businesses and investors. A bachelor's degree is typically needed. The median pay was $103,570 per year in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with 7 percent projected growth from 2025 to 2035.
At a glance
| Item | What BLS reports |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-2051 (financial and investment analysts) and 13-2054 (financial risk specialists), grouped on the BLS page |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Licensing | Some positions may require licensure; certification is not always required but may enhance standing |
| Median annual wage | $103,570 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 7 percent, 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 443,100 (2025) |
What does a financial analyst do?
Financial analysts help organizations and investors decide where to put money. According to the BLS handbook, they typically:
- 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.
The BLS page covers financial and investment analysts together with financial risk specialists. Titles you will see in job postings include financial analyst, investment analyst, equity research analyst and risk analyst.
Work environment
Financial analysts typically work in an office setting. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week.
Education, training and licensing
Financial analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field such as business. Some employers prefer a master's degree. BLS lists no required work experience or on-the-job training for entry.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the main licensing organization for the securities industry. Some financial analyst positions may require licensure. Certification is not always required, but BLS says it may enhance professional standing. Read each posting for the exact requirement, because it depends on the employer and the work.
Skills that matter
BLS names analytical, communication, computer, decision-making, detail-oriented and math skills. O*NET's list of software categories for financial and investment analysts includes accounting software, business intelligence and data analysis software, charting software and spreadsheet-style analytical tools.
Show these in writing: a model you built, a valuation or forecast you explained, a report you wrote for non-specialists.
How much do financial analysts earn?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $103,570 per year (May 2025) for the occupation as a whole. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Look up your specific title and area in the wage data instead.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts, pay tab, based on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. See how to research salary and how to negotiate an offer.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of financial analysts to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. That is a projected change of 32,000 jobs. About 29,500 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
How to get hired
- Match the degree to the work. Finance or business is the usual route.
- Build a work sample. A short model, a one-page investment memo or a variance analysis shows more than a course list.
- Check which credentials the posting asks for. Licensure or certification may be named; do not assume.
- Tailor your resume. Lead with the tools and the decisions your analysis supported. See how to write an ATS-friendly resume, or writing a career-change resume if you are moving in from accounting, operations or another field.
- Apply. Search jobs on LiveRec and read each posting closely.
Related occupations
BLS lists budget analysts, data scientists, financial managers, personal financial advisors, compliance officers, financial examiners, management analysts and market research analysts among similar occupations.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do financial analysts need? BLS says they typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field such as business. Some employers prefer a master's degree.
Do financial analysts need a license? Some positions may require licensure. FINRA is the main licensing organization for the securities industry. Certification is not always required.
Where do financial analysts work? Typically in an office setting, usually full time.
Is the field growing? BLS projects 7 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 29,500 openings per year on average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Analysts, accessed 31 October 2026
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, accessed 31 October 2026
- O*NET OnLine, 13-2051.00 Financial and Investment Analysts, accessed 31 October 2026
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