Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Get with a Financial Degree

1. Investment Banker

Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000 (with bonuses reaching millions for top performers)

Investment bankers play a crucial role in helping corporations, governments, and other entities raise capital. They are responsible for underwriting securities, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and providing financial advisory services. The profession demands long hours and intense analytical skills, but the financial rewards are substantial.

2. Financial Manager

Average Salary: $130,000 – $200,000

Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial health by preparing reports, directing investment activities, and developing strategies to maximize profits. With a financial degree, you can work in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and banking, where financial managers are in high demand.

3. Actuary

Average Salary: $120,000 – $180,000

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze risk and uncertainty, primarily for insurance companies and pension funds. A financial degree with a focus on risk management or statistics can help you break into this highly rewarding field.

4. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Average Salary: $250,000 – $500,000+ (depending on company size and location)

A CFO is one of the top executive roles in any company, responsible for managing the company’s finances, financial planning, risk management, and record-keeping. With experience and a strong financial degree, you can work your way up to this prestigious and high-paying position.

5. Financial Analyst

Average Salary: $85,000 – $150,000

Financial analysts assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments to provide recommendations to individuals and businesses. Many financial analysts work for banks, investment firms, or large corporations. This role requires strong analytical skills and a financial degree to understand complex financial data.

6. Private Equity Associate

Average Salary: $120,000 – $250,000 (plus bonuses)

Private equity associates manage investment portfolios, conduct due diligence, and evaluate potential investments. This role is highly competitive and requires a deep understanding of finance, financial modeling, and strategic planning, all of which can be gained with a financial degree.

7. Hedge Fund Manager

Average Salary: $300,000 – $1,000,000+ (including performance-based bonuses)

Hedge fund managers oversee investment funds and make high-stakes financial decisions to generate profits for investors. This is one of the most lucrative careers in finance, but it also comes with high risk and requires exceptional market knowledge. A financial degree combined with experience in investment management can help you break into this elite profession.

8. Corporate Treasurer

Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000

Corporate treasurers manage an organization’s financial assets, ensuring liquidity and minimizing financial risk. They work closely with executives to develop financial strategies and manage investment activities. A financial degree with a focus on corporate finance is highly valuable for this role.

9. Financial Consultant

Average Salary: $90,000 – $180,000 (higher with experience and reputation)

Financial consultants provide expert advice to businesses and individuals on investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. Many professionals in this field work independently or for consulting firms, making it a flexible and high-paying career option for those with a financial degree.

10. Risk Manager

Average Salary: $110,000 – $200,000

Risk managers identify and mitigate financial risks that businesses face, including market fluctuations, credit risks, and operational risks. A financial degree with a specialization in risk management or financial analysis is essential for excelling in this career.