Financial Examiners
Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.
Is financial examiners a good career?
It scores 44/100 and ranks #49 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($94,160 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+18.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What financial examiners earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. financial examiners earn between $70,660 and $129,600 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Financial examiners typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. A degree in business or a related field is common. Coursework should include accounting, finance, or related subjects.
Training
Once hired, financial examiners receive on-the-job training. Entry-level workers learn their job duties while supervised by senior examiners. The length of training varies but typically lasts more than 1 year.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although it is not required, professional certification indicates competencies for financial examiners who have it.
Some financial examiners become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). CPAs are licensed by their state’s Board of Accountancy. Becoming a CPA requires passing a national exam and meeting other state requirements.
Advancement
After a few years of experience, financial examiners may advance to a senior examiner position. Senior examiners handle more complex cases and may lead examination teams. Requirements for these positions vary, but employers often prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in either accounting or business administration or who are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Financial examiners need to evaluate how well the managers of financial institutions are handling risk and whether the individual loans the institution makes are safe.
Detail oriented. Financial examiners must pay close attention to minutiae when reviewing balance sheets in order to identify risky assets.
Math skills. Financial examiners must do calculations and monitor balance sheets to ensure that a financial institution has available cash.
Writing skills. Financial examiners regularly write reports on the safety and soundness of financial institutions. They must be able to explain technical information clearly.
Related occupations
How much do financial examiners make?
The national median wage is $94,160 a year, with the middle half earning between $70,660 and $129,600 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is financial examiners a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 44 of 100 and ranks #49 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +18.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a financial examiner?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do financial examiners earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($198,720). Local pay for every state and metro is below.