Financial Analyst Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$85,000
national median salary
$65,000 to $112,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$118,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$89,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$65,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Financial Analyst salary in the United States is $85,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $65,000 at the 25th percentile to $112,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $118,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry sector (investment banking vs.
Financial Analyst salary by city
Skills that increase Financial Analyst pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Financial Analysts based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $11,900 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$11,900 per year
≈ +$11,050 per year
≈ +$10,200 per year
≈ +$9,350 per year
≈ +$9,350 per year
≈ +$8,500 per year
≈ +$8,500 per year
≈ +$7,650 per year
What you should know
Industry sector (investment banking vs. corporate finance vs. tech FP&A) creates the largest salary dispersion. Financial analysts at investment banks and private equity firms earn significantly more than corporate counterparts. Modeling sophistication, deal experience, and CFA progress also materially affect compensation.
Analyst roles start at $65,000 to $90,000 (corporate) or $100,000 to $120,000 (banking). Senior analysts earn $90,000 to $130,000 after two to four years. Finance managers reach $130,000 to $170,000, and directors or VPs in FP&A can earn $180,000 to $250,000 at large corporations.
Bonuses in corporate finance range from 5 to 15% of base. Investment banking analysts receive bonuses of 50 to 100%+ of base salary. Equity is uncommon in traditional finance but increasingly offered at fintech companies. Benefits typically include exam fee reimbursement for CFA and CPA.