⭐ Bright Outlook

Financial and Investment Analysts

O*NET 13-2051.00 · SOC 13-2051

Projected Growth
+9%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$103k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
32k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Build financial models and valuation analyses
  • Analyze market trends and economic conditions
  • Prepare investment recommendations and reports
  • Present findings and strategies to clients
  • Monitor portfolio performance and rebalance holdings

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Financial and Investment Analysts roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Financial and Investment Analysts? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Structured — offices, data centers, or remote

Work Style

Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Financial and Investment Analysts involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningBuild financial models and valuation analyses
MiddayAnalyze market trends and economic conditions
AfternoonPrepare investment recommendations and reports

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Conventional (Organizers)5.5
Enterprising (Persuaders)5.1
Investigative (Thinkers)5.1
Social (Helpers)2.3
Artistic (Creators)1.8
Realistic (Doers)1.0

Who Thrives as Financial and Investment Analyst?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ENTJThe CommanderESTJThe ExecutiveINTJThe StrategistISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Financial and Investment Analysts Roles

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Is Financial and Investment Analysts right for you?

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