CFA salary in the US based on job titles (2024)

Introduction to CFA Salary in the US

A CFA charterholder is responsible for acting as an investment analyst and helping companies and clients make better investment decisions to improve their financial position. The average CFA base salary in the US is $126,000 USD, with total compensation of approximately $177,000 USD. CFA Professionals have a wide range of capabilities in the financial industry, including trading, asset management and investment portfolio management.

CFA salary in the US based on job title

The job type and position determine the pay scale for different designations.

Your base salary is affected by the type of work you do. After acquiring a CFA charter, some of the most sought-after job titles include:

Portfolio manager

Portfolio management is not an entry-level job. People with a few years of experience can start working at the associate level. The responsibilities of a portfolio manager include managing investment professionals. Private wealth management firms also hire them to work with their clients on an individual basis.

After completing the CFA program, approximately 22% of graduates enter portfolio management. CFA charterholders can work in management positions such as senior portfolio manager, leading to a career as a manager and investment manager.

According to the CFA Institute compensation survey, global total compensation for portfolio managers is $177,000, with a base salary of $126,000.

Research Analysts

Entry-level research analysts play an important role in business valuation and investment management. Research analysts can work in areas such as investment banking, hedge funds and data science in various organizations.

About 15% of CFA students become research analysts. In the US, the total CFA salary for this position is $140,000, with a base salary of $100,000.

directors

About 7% of CFA charterholders become CEOs in roles such as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). CIOs and CFOs are responsible for developing investment strategies, managing investment teams and making risk management decisions.

The average total salary is $240,000 USD.

CIOs earn an average base salary of $184,000, while the CFA salary of a CFO in the US is $410,000.

Corporate financial analysts

Only about 5% of CFAs remaincommercialfinancial analysts. For entry-level financial analysts, a bachelor's degree in finance or an MBA is required. The career path can lead to junior financial analyst and senior financial analyst positions. Advancement requires a professional certification, such as the CFA exam. Financial analysts earn an average total compensation of $81,930 USD.

Financial advisors

About 5% of financial professionals provide financial services such as investment advice and financial management. The average base salary for financial advisors is $61,484.

Risk manager

Risk managers play an important role in protecting companies against financial, insurance and credit risks. The average CFA salary for risk managers in the US is $129,000 (total compensation), with a starting salary of $105,000.

Relationship manager

Relationship managers are critical to successfully managing business relationships between entities, customers and partners. Relationship managers make up approximately 5% of CFA charterholders. The average annual salary with bonus is approximately $120,000.

Vacancies and CFA Salary in USA after Graduation in Three Series

The CFA Institute administers the three exams of the CFA series, which assess a candidate's investment management skills. The candidate must complete all three levels in consecutive order. These three levels of CFA exams each have their own qualifications that will allow you to work in specific positions, as listed below:

Salaris CFA-level 1

• Assistant portfolio manager
• Equity research analyst
• Asset manager
• Junior Financial Analyst
• Risk advisor
• Associate Analist

CFA Level 1 Salaries typically range between $43,218 and $78,374.

Level 2

• Stock analyst/analyst
• Rating analyst a rating agency
• Risk analyst
• Business strategist
• Financial Planning Analyst (FPA)

CFA Level 2 salaries can earn between $43,364 and $86,300 on average.

Level 3

• Senior portfolio manager
• Financial analyst for companies
• Head accounting
• Investment Controller

CFA Level 3 salaries in the United States earn an average salary ranging from $67,786 to $217,242.

Key learning points

• A CFA is a globally recognized professional designation from the CFA Institute. CFAs can get high-income jobs that assess the competence and integrity of financial analysts.
• The average CFA base salary in the US is $126,000 USD, with total compensation of approximately $177,000 USD. CFA Professionals have a variety of job opportunities in the financial sector, including trading, asset management and investment portfolio management.
• The CFA salary depends on different positions. Portfolio manager, research analyst, relationship manager and risk manager are some of the high-income CFA jobs.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below.Click here to contact usfor more information about CFA salaries in the US. We are happy to help you with your questions.

Did you like this blog? Read the following:University of East London locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the CFA designation valuable in the US?

Answer-The CFA designation is highly regarded among candidates for senior positions such as risk, investment and portfolio managers.

Question 2. Who Earns More CFAs or MBA Graduates?

Answer-A CFA charterholder with 0-5 years of experience can earn an average of $72,900. A business school graduate with 0-5 years of experience can earn an average of $57,700.

Q3. Is CFA Level 1 difficult?

Answer-Candidates can increase their chances of passing the CFA exams by studying for more than 300 hours, using alternative preparation materials, answering as many practice questions as possible, and developing a structured study plan.