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Business & Office career
Financial Analyst
Also called: FP&A Analyst · Investment Analyst · Corporate Financial Analyst · Budget Analyst
What financial analysts do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a financial analyst do?
Financial and investment analysts evaluate financial data, build models and forecasts, and recommend decisions about budgets, investments and business strategy. The median pay is $102,740 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +7.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$102,740$49.40/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.2%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year24,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs377,200Employment, 2025
What financial analysts do
Financial analysts help organizations make smart money decisions. Corporate analysts build budgets and forecasts, analyze performance and explain variances to leaders. Investment analysts research companies, industries and markets to recommend stocks, bonds and other investments. Both rely heavily on Excel models, data and clear presentations.
Most analysts have a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or economics. Credentials such as the CFA or FP&A certification support advancement. It is a strong path into management, corporate finance leadership and investment careers.
Typical duties
- Build financial models and forecasts
- Analyze financial statements and performance
- Prepare budgets and variance analyses
- Research companies, industries and markets
- Evaluate investments and projects
- Present findings and recommendations
- Track key performance indicators
Work environment and schedule
Analysts work in offices or remotely at banks, corporations, investment firms, insurers and government agencies. The work is mostly at a computer.
Schedule: Most work full-time; month-end, budget season and investment deadlines can bring long hours.
A day in the life
- Review overnight market news and yesterday’s sales results.
- Update the monthly forecast model with new actuals.
- Investigate a variance in marketing spending.
- Meet a department head to review next year’s budget.
See a full day in the life of a financial analyst →
Financial Analyst salary
Half of financial analysts earned more than $102,740 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $63,720 for the lowest 10% to $180,860 for the top 10%.
Full financial analyst pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a financial analyst
- Earn a finance-related degree
- Master Excel and modeling
- Get an internship or entry role
- Earn credentials
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related field is typical. MBAs and credentials such as the CFA help with senior roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a financial analyst →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Financial modeling
- Excel
- Accounting fundamentals
- Forecasting and budgeting
- Valuation
People skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Business judgment
All financial analyst skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay and advancement
- Analytical, strategic work
- Opportunities in every industry
- Remote and hybrid options
Cons
- Long hours at deadlines
- Pressure for accuracy
- Lots of screen time
- Competitive investment roles
Certifications and licenses
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): A rigorous credential for investment professionals.
- Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC): Credential from the Association for Financial Professionals.
- Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA): A practical modeling certification.
- FINRA licenses: Such as the SIE and Series 7 for some investment roles.
Career path
- Financial Analyst: Build models and reports.
- Senior Financial Analyst: Lead analyses and forecasts.
- FP&A Manager or Portfolio Manager: Lead planning or investments.
- Controller, Director of Finance or CFO: Lead finance functions.
Learn the job before day one
Our Financial Analyst training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a simple revenue forecast and perform a budget variance analysis, safety and how to land your first job.
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Financial Analyst FAQ
Do financial analysts need a CFA?
Not always, but it’s valuable for investment roles.
What degree is best?
Finance, accounting or economics.
Can analysts work remotely?
Many roles are hybrid or remote.
How much does a financial analyst make?
The median annual wage for financial analysts was $102,740 ($49.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $63,720 and the highest 10% earned more than $180,860.
How long does it take to become a financial analyst?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related field is typical. MBAs and credentials such as the CFA help with senior roles.
Do you need a degree to be a financial analyst?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More financial analyst questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-2051 (Financial and investment analysts).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Financial and investment analysts (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.