Financial Analyst Salary: $100K US Median
Financial analysts evaluate investments, analyze financial data, build models, and provide recommendations to executives or clients.
As of April 2026, the US national median Financial Analyst salary is $99,890 per year. Financial Analysts earn between $65,000 (entry, 25th percentile) and $175,000 (90th percentile). Highest-paying cities: San Francisco ($155K), Oakland ($140K), New York ($135K). Year-over-year growth: 410.0% from 2025.
Financial Analyst Salary by Years of Experience
How Financial Analyst pay scales over a career — US national averages.
| Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0–1 yr | $64,400 |
| 2–3 yr | $70,000 |
| 4–6 yr | $107,500 |
| 7–10 yr | $145,000 |
| 11–15 yr | $171,100 |
| 15+ yr | $160,000 |
Curve derived from BLS percentile data; actual progression varies by employer, location, and specialty.
Financial Analyst Salary by City
All 50 top US metros, sorted by salary level. Click any city for the full breakdown.
Hot 2026 Skills
ATS Keywords
Top Employers
Certifications
+410.0% vs 2025
Finance sector growth driven by demand for Python for finance and Tableau/Power BI.
How to Negotiate Your Financial Analyst Salary
Walk-away anchor: $89,187 (offers below this are below market for experienced candidates).
Leverage Points
- Bonus targets and historical payout percentages (ask for last 3 years actual)
- Profit-share, carry, or AUM-linked compensation for senior roles
- CFA, CPA, or Series licenses materially shift base compensation
- Buyout of unvested deferred comp from your current employer
Beyond Base, Negotiate
What To Say
"I'm walking away from $X in unvested deferred compensation if I leave now. Can we structure the offer with a sign-on that makes me whole, plus a guaranteed first-year bonus floor?"
Financial analyst roles growing 9%. Strong demand at hedge funds, PE firms, and corporate finance.
Education Path
Bachelor's degree in finance/economics; CFA preferred
Financial Analyst Salary FAQ
What is the average Financial Analyst salary in the US in 2026?
Did Financial Analyst salaries increase in 2026?
Which US cities pay Financial Analysts the most in 2026?
Which US cities have the lowest Financial Analyst salaries?
What's the job outlook for Financial Analysts?
What skills are most valuable for Financial Analysts in 2026?
What education is needed to become a Financial Analyst?
How do I negotiate a higher Financial Analyst salary?
Who are the top employers hiring Financial Analysts?
What does an entry-level Financial Analyst make in their first year?
Methodology & Sources
National Financial Analyst salary figures derive from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, blended with 2026 market data from Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Robert Half. Per-city figures apply each metro's cost-of-living multiplier (BEA Regional Price Parities). Year-over-year change (410.0%) reflects the Finance sector's wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.
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