20 Best-Paying Jobs in Finance for 2025

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Average annual salary of $246,440.

One of the highest-paying jobs in the finance industry, with an average annual salary of $246,440. CFOs are responsible for managing the financial actions of a company, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting.

This position requires extensive experience in finance and accounting, strong leadership skills, and often an advanced degree such as an MBA. It's a highly rewarding career both financially and professionally.

Financial Manager: Average annual salary of $138 000

a key role in the finance industry, responsible for overseeing the financial health of an organization. This includes tasks such as financial planning, managing financial risks, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

In 2025, the average annual salary for a Financial Manager in the United States is approximately $138,864. Salaries can range from$123,979 to $157,083, depending on factors like experience, location, and the size of the company.Financial Managers typically need a strong background in finance and accounting, along with excellent analytical and leadership skills. It's a rewarding career both financially and professionally.

Chief Risk Officer (CRO): Average annual salary of $280,000. one of the highest-paying jobs in the finance industry. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a CRO in the United States is approximately $280,002

Salaries typically range from$239,614 to $323,361, with most professionals earning between$202,843 and $362,837.CROs are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact a company's profitability and compliance with regulations. This role requires extensive experience in risk management, strong analytical skills, and often an advanced degree.

Personal Financial Advisor: Average annual salary of $79,580.a well-paying job in the finance industry. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Personal Financial Advisor in the United States is approximately $79,553. Salaries typically range from$50,000 to $158,000, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer. Personal Financial Advisors help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and make investment decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and often a certification such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Personal Financial Advisor: A well-paying job in the finance industry. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Personal Financial Advisor in the United States is approximately $79,553. Salaries typically range from$50,000 to $158,000, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer.Personal Financial Advisors help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and make investment decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and often a certification such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Financial Risk Specialist: As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Financial Risk Specialist in the United States is approximately $111,556. Salaries typically range from$90,000 to $153,000, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer.Financial Risk Specialists analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risks that could impact an organization's assets and earning capacity. This role requires strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of risk management principles, and often an advanced degree.

Data Scientist: Average annual salary of $122,840 data Scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data, helping businesses make informed decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and often an advanced degree in a related field.

Financial and Investment Analyst :As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Financial and Investment Analyst in the United States is approximately $88,111. Salaries typically range from$70,000 to $110,500, with top earners making up to$116,500annually.Financial and Investment Analysts evaluate financial data, provide investment recommendations, and help businesses and individuals make informed financial decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial modeling, and often a degree in finance or a related field.

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent: The average annual salary for this role in the United States is approximately $109,710. Salaries typically range from $76,900 to $212,180, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer.

Financial Examiner: Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing financial institutions and transactions. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Financial Examiner in the United States is approximately $70,035. Salaries typically range from $48,735 to $63,665, with top earners making up to $97,500 annually.

Budget Analyst: A vital role in the finance industry, responsible for helping organizations plan their finances and ensure efficient allocation of resources. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Budget Analyst in the United States is approximately $68,171. Salaries typically range from$50,000 to $101,000, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer.Budget Analysts review budget proposals, monitor spending, and provide recommendations to improve financial efficiency. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often a degree in finance or accounting.

Accountant and Auditor: Essential in the finance industry, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records. As of 2025, the average annual salary for Accountants and Auditors in the United States is approximately $79,880. Salaries typically range from $50,440 to $137,280, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer.

Loan Officer: responsible for evaluating, authorizing, or recommending approval of loans for individuals and businesses. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Loan Officer in the United States is approximately $70,335. Salaries typically range from$46,000 to $90,000, with top earners making up to$126,500annually.

Loan Officers work in various settings, including banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and often a degree in finance or a related field.

Insurance Underwriter: responsible for assessing risks and determining whether to provide insurance coverage. As of 2025, the average annual salary for an Insurance Underwriter in the United States is approximately $66,153. Salaries typically range from $46,000 to $96,000, with top earners making up to $101,000 annually.

Market Research Analyst: responsible for analyzing market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Market Research Analyst in the United States is approximately $78,816. Salaries typically range from$55,000 to $132,500, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employee.Market Research Analysts gather and interpret data on consumer preferences, market trends, and competitive landscapes to help businesses make informed decisions. This role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, and often a degree in marketing, business, or a related field.

Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator is a crucial role in the finance and insurance industries, responsible for evaluating insurance claims to determine the extent of the insurance company's liability. As of 2025, the average annual salary for this role in the United States is approximately $75,770. Salaries typically range from$47,390 to $105,440, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific employer. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators review settled claims to ensure payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often a degree in finance or a related field.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): One of the highest-paying positions in the finance industry. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a CEO in the United States is approximately $897,916. Salaries typically range from$496,864 to $1,350,265, with most professionals earning between$687,991 and $1,134,693. CEOs are responsible for making major corporate decisions, managing overall operations, and setting the strategic direction of the company. This role requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills.

Hedge fund manager is responsible for managing hedge fund investments, aiming to achieve high profitability while minimizing risks. They oversee the fund's operations, select investment strategies, and monitor market trends. Hedge fund managers typically earn substantial compensation through management and performance fees. This role requires strong analytical skills, financial literacy, and critical thinkingThe average annual pay of Hedge Fund Manager in the United States is $145,949.

Corporate Treasurer: High-level finance role responsible for managing an organization's treasury functions, including cash management, investment strategies, and risk management. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Corporate Treasurer in the United States is approximately $208,152. Salaries typically range from$185,717 to $235,079, with top earners making up to$259,595annually.Corporate Treasurers play a crucial role in ensuring the financial stability and liquidity of their organizations. This position requires extensive experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and often an advanced degree.

Investment Banker: The average annual salary for an Investment Banker in the United States is approximately $119,418. Salaries typically range from$61,000 to $252,000, with top earners making up to$311,000annually. Investment Bankers help companies, governments, and other entities raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and providing other financial services. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities.

Private Equity Associate: Highly sought-after role in the finance industry. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Private Equity Associate in the United States is approximately $104,774. Salaries typically range from$76,000 to $149,000, with top earners making up to$208,000annually.Private Equity Associates are responsible for analyzing investment opportunities, conducting financial modeling, and preparing reports on investment performance. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often an advanced degree in finance or a related field.