Highest Paying Finance Jobs in 2025

The finance industry has relatively low unemployment and continues to attract top talent with impressive compensation and benefits packages. The U.S. Securities Training Corporation projects finance jobs will increase by 8% over the next decade, which is faster than average. Some even predict that finance job openings will jump by 16% in that timeframe. Long story short, if you’re interested in learning more about top paying finance jobs in 2025, you’re on to something.

Most job openings in finance offer salary ranges based on experience and education, but to understand broader, national salary expectations across the industry, here are some credible sources to consider:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Comprehensive data on national and regional salary trends across finance roles.
  • Payscale: Real-time salary insights based on individual qualifications, job titles, and locations.

What skills do you need for a job in finance?

Entering the finance industry and joining a reputable financial institution typically requires an undergraduate degree or bachelor’s degree at minimum. It’s helpful to study analytics, business, economics, finance, or math. Some financial companies may claim to hire a wide variety of majors, but most entry-level positions only hire people with bachelor’s degrees in those areas.

If you’re interested in joining the industry but don’t have a finance degree, it’s possible to supplement with a related minor or online certification. In today’s world of technology, it’s possible to use online education tools as a work around.

Ten of the highest paying jobs in finance in 2025

Here are ten of the highest paying finance jobs in 2025. Most of these positions require time and experience in the industry and are considered some of the most sought-after jobs in finance. They come with great benefits, career security, and professional development opportunities.

Not at that level yet? That’s okay, we all have to start somewhere. Keep reading to learn more and set helpful career goals.

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers (CFO) oversee business budgeting, cost-related decision-making, and financial teams. The CFO role is one of the highest paying finance jobs because it requires financial leadership, experience, and an extensive network.

  • Required skills: budget management, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, corporate finance, consulting, leadership, and strategic vision
  • Required Qualifications: bachelor’s degree in related field and possibly Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
  • Helpful certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and Chartered Financial Analyst

Chief Risk Officer

Risk is a key part of finance. Chief Risk Officers (CROs) are senior executives tasked with identifying, assessing, and reducing risk. These responsibilities directly impact an organization’s reputation, financial earnings, and longevity. 

  • Required skills: regulatory compliance knowledge, data analysis, risk management expertise, leadership, risk reporting, and stakeholder presentation skills
  • Required Qualifications: bachelor’s degree in related field and master’s degree in business, economics, finance, or related field
  • Helpful certifications: Certified Risk Manager, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Risk Management Professional, Certified Governance Risk and Compliance

Investment Banker

Investment bankers help businesses and government groups invest their money. One of their primary focuses is raising money to grow a business and assisting companies in achieving financial growth goals through investment. 

  • Required skills: portfolio management, market research and trends, discipline, relationship building, entrepreneurship, analytics, interpersonal communication, global outlook, presentation persuasion, and networking
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree in related field, and possibly master’s degree
  • Helpful certifications: FINRA license, Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, and Series 79

Hedge Fund Manager

Hedge fund managers help investors run a hedge fund’s operations and a diversified investment package. These individuals oversee all hedge fund portfolio investments. In a top-paying finance job, a hedge fund manager’s responsibilities include helping investors manage their investment objectives, liquidity, and fees.

  • Required skills: financial instruments, financial market knowledge, risk (and risk tolerance), portfolio construction, interpersonal communication, financial modeling, and quick math
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree in related field
  • Helpful certifications: Series 65, Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Market Technician, Financial Risk Manager, Registered Investment Advisor, Certificate in Hedge Fund Regulation, Certified Investment Management Analyst, and Chartered Investment Counselor

Financial Manager

Financial managers are similar to personal finance advisors, except they manage a company’s financial health instead of individuals. The position requires a lot of market knowledge, which could come with financial management experience.

  • Required skills: leadership, business communication, interpersonal communication, decision making, investment principles, cash flows, financial data analysis, expense forecasting, government contracts, financial management systems, advanced mathematics, economics, statistical modeling software, market research, and trends
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree and experience in related field
  • Helpful certifications: Chartered Financial Analyst, Financial Risk Manager Certification, Financial Modelling Certification, and Certified Financial Planner

Financial Risk Specialist

Financial risk specialists identify and mitigate financial risks by recommending strategies that reduce risk and protect an organization’s resources. People in this role must be well-versed in market, company, and competitor risk levels. 

  • Required skills: strong analytical skills, financial and investment knowledge, creativity, ability to understand and communicate complex financial language
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
  • Helpful certifications: Chartered Financial Analyst, Financial Risk Manager, Certified Risk Manager, Certified Financial Planner

Fintech Specialist

Fintech specialists bridge finance and technology to develop innovative solutions. With the tech world growing everyday, fintech roles and responsibilities are likely to keep expanding alongside AI, advanced algorithms, and digital platforms. 

  • Required skills: data analysis, programming, machine learning, problem solving, cybersecurity, software development, US compliance regulations, and interpersonal communication
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, engineering, or a related field
  • Helpful certifications: fintech certification programs from accredited universities

Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain is a newer concept, referring to a system of transactions that are usually made in cryptocurrency. Blockchain consultants design blockchain strategies for organizations and advise leaders on how to leverage the technology to improve business performance. 

  • Required skills: proven track record in consulting, understanding of different blockchain platforms, blockchain strategy development, stakeholder communication, and project management
  • Required qualifications: degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
  • Helpful certifications: Certified Blockchain Expert, Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional, Certified Enterprise Blockchain Architect

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts use advanced math and statistical methods to analyze and build financial strategies. Also called “quants”, these finance pros use key market data to build complex mathematical models, and inform investment decisions. 

  • Required skills: strong mathematical background, programming, financial literacy, data analysts, stakeholder communication, and problem solving
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, or finance
  • Helpful certifications: Certificate in Quantitative Finance

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help businesses and individuals diversify and invest their money. Financial analysts monitor economic trends, advise clients, determine value, and assess financial risks. It is one of the top-paying finance jobs out of college, requiring technical and financial consulting skills. 

  • Required skills: accounting, SEC filings, corporate finance, financial modeling, corporate valuation, developing forecast models, analytics, IT, insurance, and interpersonal and presentation communication
  • Required qualifications: bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and related experience
  • Helpful certifications: FINRA license, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and master’s degree in Accounting

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