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- Best Paying Entry-Level Finance Careers for Graduates
- Finance Careers With Competitive Salaries
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Actuarial Analyst
- Entry-Level Management Consultant
- Tax Associate
- Credit Analyst
- Portfolio Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Salary Comparison
- Building Long-Term Value Through the Right Role
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Reads
Best Paying Entry-Level Finance Careers for Graduates
People who are motivated and ready to turn their education into rewarding, long-term careers can find good opportunities in the finance industry. For people who are just starting out, choosing a well-paying entry-level job can make a big difference in their future career prospects, not just in terms of money. Here is a better list of high-paying finance jobs that are good for recent graduates. These jobs pay well and come with important responsibilities, which is a great way to start a successful career in financial services.
Finance Careers With Competitive Salaries
Choosing the right role early in your finance career often means balancing learning opportunities, long-term potential, and immediate compensation. The positions below meet all three of those objectives.
Financial Analyst
Often considered a foundational position within corporate finance departments, the financial analyst role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with data and interpreting financial trends.
Starting Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000
Industries Hiring: Corporate enterprises, investment firms, government sectors
Core Functions:
- Analyze revenue, expenses, and profitability patterns
- Contribute to strategic planning through forecasts and performance analysis
- Collaborate with other departments to support financial decision-making
Certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation can accelerate growth in this role, particularly for those seeking promotions into senior analyst or investment roles.
Investment Banking Analyst
For those drawn to fast-paced environments and high-stakes decision-making, investment banking offers some of the most lucrative early-career positions in finance.
Starting Salary Range: $85,000 to $110,000+
Common Employers: Bulge bracket banks, boutique investment firms
Primary Duties:
- Build detailed financial models for mergers and acquisitions
- Draft presentations and pitch materials for client meetings
- Assist with deal execution, including due diligence and documentation
Even though the work can be hard, this job often leads to jobs in private equity, hedge funds, or senior banking.
Actuarial Analyst
Actuarial analysts apply statistical and mathematical methods to evaluate financial risks, particularly in insurance and retirement planning.
Starting Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000
Hiring Sectors: Insurance providers, pensions, consulting firms
Responsibilities:
- Use predictive models to assess risks and future financial outcomes
- Work with cross-functional teams to inform pricing and policy design
- Progress through professional exams to advance to certified actuary roles
This position suits those with a strong quantitative background and an interest in long-term financial forecasting.
Entry-Level Management Consultant
Consulting roles offer entry into strategic advisory work, allowing new professionals to work closely with executives across industries to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.
Starting Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000
Typical Employers: Global consulting firms, niche strategy agencies
Functions Include:
- Analyze client financial performance
- Identify areas of operational improvement and revenue growth
- Present recommendations to senior leadership
Management consultants often develop transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, and cross-industry strategy.
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Tax Associate
For those with a strong attention to detail and interest in compliance, tax associate roles provide a specialized entry point into accounting and finance.
Starting Salary Range: $50,000 to $75,000
Employers: Public accounting firms, internal finance departments
Role Highlights:
- Prepare and review tax documents
- Advise clients or teams on deductions and regulatory obligations
- Assist with audits and planning strategies
Progression in this field typically involves passing the Certified Public Accountant exam and gaining experience with diverse client accounts.
Credit Analyst
Credit analysts assess borrower risk, playing an important role in lending and financial underwriting. This role develops critical evaluation skills used widely across commercial banking and credit markets.
Starting Salary: Approximately $55,000
Industries: Commercial banks, credit unions, asset managers
Common Tasks:
- Evaluate credit applications and financial statements
- Prepare risk summaries for loan committees
- Monitor portfolio performance and assess renewal risk
With time, credit analysts can transition into underwriting, risk management, or corporate lending.
Portfolio Analyst
Portfolio analysts support fund managers in evaluating investment performance and identifying future opportunities. This role bridges finance and investment strategy, making it attractive for those targeting asset management careers.
Starting Salary Range: $60,000 to $75,000
Employers: Investment firms, pension funds, mutual funds
Contributions:
- Conduct investment research and market analysis
- Monitor asset performance relative to benchmarks
- Prepare reports for stakeholders and advisory committees
Success in this role often leads to portfolio manager positions or roles in institutional sales and research.
Risk Analyst
As businesses increasingly seek to protect themselves from financial volatility, the demand for professionals skilled in identifying and quantifying risk continues to grow.
Starting Salary: Around $65,000
Organizations Hiring: Banks, insurance firms, multinational corporations
Job Scope:
- Identify market, credit, and operational risks
- Develop mitigation strategies and policy recommendations
- Work closely with compliance and audit teams
Risk roles are highly valued in both finance and enterprise sectors and often lead to careers in compliance, regulation, or strategic advisory.
Salary Comparison
| Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Investment Banking Analyst | $85,000 to $110,000+ |
| Management Consultant | $70,000 to $90,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $55,000 to $80,000 |
| Portfolio Analyst | $60,000 to $75,000 |
| Risk Analyst | $65,000 |
| Actuarial Analyst | $60,000 to $70,000 |
| Tax Associate | $50,000 to $75,000 |
| Credit Analyst | $55,000 |
Note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and PayScale all did market research to come up with the salary numbers. Salaries in real life may be different depending on where you work, what field you’re in, and what qualifications you have.
Building Long-Term Value Through the Right Role
Entry-level finance positions are more than just stepping stones; they are opportunities to establish technical proficiency, build networks, and begin charting a clear course toward specialization. Whether your goals lie in investment banking, risk assessment, or asset management, selecting a high-paying role aligned with your strengths can offer a meaningful starting point.
Professionals aiming for rapid advancement should consider:
- Gaining internships during university studies
- Earning recognized certifications
- Staying current on financial regulations and market trends
In a competitive landscape, those who focus on continuous learning and adaptability often progress into senior roles more quickly.
Conclusion
There are many high-paying entry-level jobs in the finance industry that are great for career growth and long-term success. Recent graduates can get jobs as financial analysts, investment banking analysts, and management consultants by using their analytical skills, financial knowledge, and strategic thinking. These jobs not only pay well at first, but they also help you get into specialized fields in finance. To be successful in finance for a long time, you need to keep learning and be able to change. Graduates should focus on getting the right certifications, making connections, and looking for internships to get more experience. You can set yourself up for a rewarding and well-paying career in finance by carefully choosing the right entry-level finance job and using the right tools. The need for skilled finance workers will stay high as the field changes. This makes now a great time to get into the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-paid finance job for recent graduates?
Investment banking analyst roles typically lead the salary rankings, with starting compensation often exceeding $100,000, especially at top-tier institutions.
Is a finance degree mandatory for these roles?
While preferred, a finance degree is not always required. Candidates with strong analytical or quantitative skills, especially in mathematics, engineering, or economics, may also qualify, particularly if they demonstrate relevant internship or project experience.
Which certifications are most useful for entry-level finance professionals?
Certifications such as the CFA, CPA, and Financial Risk Manager can significantly enhance employability and salary growth, especially in investment, tax, or risk-related roles.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Best Paying Entry Level Finance Jobs
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Source Citation References:
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017, February 22). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/
