⭐ Bright Outlook

Financial and Investment Analysts

O*NET 13-2051.00 · SOC 13-2051

Financial and Investment Analyst is a solid career choice. Median pay is $103k a year with +7.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 24,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+7.2%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$103k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
25k
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 Analyst 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 Analyst? 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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Creative and professional skill classes
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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 Analyst 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 7-minute quiz →

See Open Financial and Investment Analyst Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Financial and Investment Analysts is projected to grow 7.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.

Will AI Replace This Job?

52/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
  • ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Financial and Investment Analyst make?

The median Financial and Investment Analyst earns $103k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Financial and Investment Analyst jobs?

Our model puts Financial and Investment Analyst at 52 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 27% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Financial and Investment Analyst a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 7.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 24,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Financial and Investment Analyst?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Financial and Investment Analyst roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Financial and Investment Analyst?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Financial and Investment Analyst career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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