Financial and Investment Analysts

People in this career conduct quantitative analyses of financial data and investment programs for private or public institutions. They evaluate business valuations, study investment opportunities, and analyze financial trends. This work requires strong conventional interests, meaning a preference for structured tasks, data, and clear details.

To succeed, analysts must possess key work styles such as high attention to detail, integrity, dependability, and intellectual curiosity. Because financial markets can be unpredictable, professionals need tolerance for ambiguity, cautiousness, and stress tolerance. They must also demonstrate perseverance, self-confidence, and an achievement orientation when presenting their findings and navigating complex financial landscapes.

Entering this field typically requires considerable preparation. Most professionals need a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. Common college majors that prepare students for this career include finance and financial management services, accounting and related services, data analytics, and applied mathematics.

Depending on the specific career track and location, some states list licensing requirements for this work. Professionals can also pursue voluntary certifications to build their credentials. Examples of these certifications include the Associate in Commercial Underwriting from The Institutes, the Certified Data Science Practitioner from CertNexus, and the Cryptocurrency, Blockchain DeFi & NFTs Certification from the Residential Real Estate Council.

In 2025, the median annual pay for financial and investment analysts was $102,740. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience, location, and industry; the lowest 10 percent of workers earn less than $63,720, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $180,860.

With 361,980 people employed in this field, the occupation is projected to grow by 7.2 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in approximately 24,700 job openings each year.