Financial Risk Specialists
Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.
Is financial risk specialists a good career?
It scores 31/100 and ranks #134 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 ($117,330 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What financial risk specialists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. financial risk specialists earn between $83,980 and $158,250 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live financial risk specialists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Most entry-level positions for financial analysts require a bachelor’s degree; a common field of degree is business. Some employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a master’s degree.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the main licensing organization for the securities industry. A license is generally required to sell financial products, which may apply to some positions. Because most of the licenses require sponsorship by an employer, companies do not expect individuals to have these licenses before starting a job.
Employers often recommend certification, which may improve the chances for advancement.
Advancement
Financial analysts typically start by specializing in an investment field. As they gain experience, they may become portfolio managers and select the mix of investments for a company’s portfolio. They also may become fund managers of large investment portfolios for individual investors. Having a master’s degree in finance or business administration may improve an analyst’s chances of advancing to one of these positions.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Financial analysts must evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments.
Communication skills. Financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients.
Computer skills. Financial analysts must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts.
Decision-making skills. Financial analysts must reach conclusions so that they can recommend whether to buy, hold, or sell a security.
Detail oriented. Financial analysts must pay attention when reviewing a possible investment, as even small issues may have large implications for its health.
Math skills. Financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities.
Related occupations
How much do financial risk specialists make?
The national median wage is $117,330 a year, with the middle half earning between $83,980 and $158,250 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is financial risk specialists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 31 of 100 and ranks #134 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a financial risk specialist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do financial risk specialists earn the most?
Among states, New Hampshire pays the highest median ($158,320). Local pay for every state and metro is below.