What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance?

Quick Highlights:

• Finance careers offer high pay and excellent ROI on degrees.
• Top finance jobs include investment banker, hedge fund manager, and chief financial officer.
• Most high-paying finance jobs need advanced degrees or certifications.
• Finance careers are influenced by the global economy and market demand.

The finance industry offers various career opportunities and excellent return on investment (ROI). Because of the finance degree ROI, you can quickly recuperate the money you spend on getting a degree. 

Once you are hired, you will be working with some of the most successful people in the world. The highest-paying finance jobs require people to trust you with vast sums of money. In the best finance careers, you can gain wealth and prestige.

As you consider the finance careers available, you will notice that there are various pathways you can take. Consider your personal needs because these high-powered careers often require constant attention and dedication. While getting top salaries in finance is desirable, you also need to make sure these career tracks fit in with the rest of your lifestyle. In this article, you will learn about the top-paying finance jobs, the necessary qualifications, and how to navigate this dynamic industry for career success.

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Overview of High-Paying Finance Jobs

In general, people who work in finance are paid more than the average professional. The median wage for individuals working in business and finance is $75,090 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but there are even more lucrative finance jobs available if you have experience. There are numerous high-paying finance positions out there for people who are successful in business and networking.

When it comes to career longevity, you can remain in this field for as long as you keep your clients and shareholders happy. Most careers in financial institutions are based on your ability to maximize income and minimize loss. No matter what stage you are at in your profession, you will be expected to make crucial business decisions. 

Top High-Paying Jobs in Finance

While the business and finance salary is competitive, there are opportunities for you to make an exceptionally high ROI if you go after specific career tracks. If you seek promotions and opportunities, your salary will increase with your achievements. Consider the following information as you travel down your finance career path.

Investment Banker

As an investment banker, you will work with corporations to determine the financial risk and potential value of investments that your company is considering. It is not unheard of for a high-level investment banker salary to average around $389,000 according to Glassdoor. However, your income is a direct reflection of your performance. Investment banking careers will require you to be responsible for large amounts of money, so you should expect to meet a high standard.

Hedge Fund Manager

In this position, you will be tasked with ensuring the financial growth of a diverse collection of private equity and liquid assets. A hedge fund manager salary may average around $93,522 according to Zip Recruiter, although this is greatly influenced by where you live. By accessing larger pools of finance in a big city, your financial rewards will increase. 

Private Equity Analyst

The focus of a private equity analyst is to consult with their clients regarding the health of their finances. A financial analyst salary averages around $108,584 per year according to salary.com. Like all the highest-paying finance jobs, this salary will be related to your ability to create profits. Private equity careers often lead to roles in management and consulting. 

Chief Financial Officer

The role of the chief financial officer is to ensure that your institution is:

• complying with regulations
• developing business plans
• meeting financial goals

A CFO’s salary is directly related to the size of the business, so expect high variability when it comes to your income. In the dynamic field of business, you may find that additional financial opportunities will open up if you are regularly posting a profit.

Financial Manager

There are a range of financial management jobs to choose from. A financial manager may work for:

• individuals
• corporations
• other institutions

Depending on where you work, the average salary is around $109,658 according to Indeed. However, this is highly variable and directly related to the amounts of money and equity that you are working with. 

Risk Manager

As a risk manager, you will receive one of the top salaries in finance. You can expect to make an average annual salary of $129,881. It will be your responsibility to analyze the market environment and determine future risks. This position incorporates data analysis, statistics, and other technological tools.

Qualifications and Education Needed

As you think about the certifications and degrees that may be required, you should consider the finance degree ROI as well. Often, hiring managers at the highest-paying finance jobs will want to see an impressive resume before they are willing to hire you.

Depending on your career, you may need to meet these finance job qualifications.

• A master’s in business administration (MBA) will demonstrate your competence in management, investing, accounting, and leadership. These are attributes that will help you in all of the best finance careers. 
• A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is a post-graduate program in advanced investment analysis. You will be trained in statistics, economics, portfolio management, and other areas of financial expertise. 
• A Certified Private Wealth Advisor is trained in wealth management techniques. You can expect to work with private individuals who need a dedicated professional to care for their financial health.

Skills and Experience

This dynamic industry will require you to be constantly learning. Because your success is based on your performance, you need to adopt a growth mindset. Your experience is directly correlated with your salary increases. The top salaries in finance are earned, not given, so you will need to hone your abilities.

The people who have the best finance careers often exhibit the following skills.

• Analytical skills will help you extrapolate trends by carefully considering the data that is available to you.
• Leadership qualities allow you to direct your colleagues in a manner that allows your team to achieve objectives.
• Mathematical competency will help when it comes to accounting and statistics.
• Technological capability ensures that you can use new applications and programs to increase your ability to make decisions.

Market Demand and Industry Growth

The overall financial industry make up an incredibly dynamic environment. You will be able to find employment in any country in the world and practically any industry you can think of. 

Whether you want to work for a private individual, a corporation, or a governmental body, you can find a position in finance. Your finance degree will set you up for success in whatever career path you follow because every business needs someone to do the accounting or manage the company’s investments.

Remember that this industry is impacted by the global economy. This means that your profession is strongly influenced by forces that are out of your control. National laws, global events, social trends, and international conflicts will impact the financial decisions you make and the overall job market in finance.

Deciding Your Career Path in Finance

As you navigate your professional life, you will be able to consider the best finance careers and make a decision that is suitable for your needs. Top salaries in finance can be gained by obtaining the right degrees and certifications. Often, access to the highest-paying finance jobs is based on your performance. 

Financial management and Investment banking careers will provide you with opportunities for professional advancement. The networking opportunities that you gain will directly impact your finance degree ROI. Learn from your professional colleagues and academic peers because their experiences will help you make the right decision for your career.