What Jobs Are Best in Finance?

Figuring out the best career in finance often means weighing different priorities, as "best" can mean the highest salary, the best work-life balance, or the most intellectually stimulating work. The financial world is vast, covering everything from managing corporate cash flow to structuring complex global investments, meaning a single "best" job simply doesn't exist for everyone. ^[7] For many just starting out, the initial focus defaults to compensation, and certain roles consistently appear at the top of high-paying lists across recruiting firms and career advice sites. ^[3][9]

# Pay Rankings

Roles that command the highest compensation often involve significant responsibility, long hours, or highly specialized knowledge, particularly in investment banking or executive leadership. ^[1][3] Positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for instance, represent the pinnacle of corporate finance, overseeing all financial aspects of a company. ^[3] Similarly, Investment Bankers who work on mergers and acquisitions or capital raising deals are frequently noted for their extremely high earning potential, though this often comes with demanding schedules. ^[1][2]

When looking at data compiled by recruiting agencies, specialized roles like Managing Directors in investment management or private equity often lead the pack in terms of potential earnings, sometimes reaching well into the six or seven figures depending on the firm's success and the individual’s tenure. ^[3] Within the broader analyst and manager categories, the distinctions in pay can be significant. For example, while a standard Financial Analyst is a foundational role, a Financial Manager overseeing departments or large projects tends to command a higher salary. ^[5][9]

It's interesting to compare the reported median salaries across different publications. Some sources highlight Actuaries—professionals who assess risk, especially for insurance companies—as having excellent salaries, sometimes even exceeding those of entry-to-mid-level investment banking roles when viewed over the long term, which speaks to the value of specialized certifications. ^[9][2] On a general list of top earners, you will often see Portfolio Managers mentioned because they directly control large pools of assets, and their performance directly impacts their compensation through bonuses tied to returns. ^[3]

Here is a look at some roles frequently cited across various high-earning lists:

^[3][5][9]

# Growth Trajectories

While high pay is attractive, the long-term viability of a career path is equally important. Looking at projected growth, some areas of finance are expanding faster than others, signaling increasing demand for specific skill sets. ^[6] According to data tracking job growth projections, roles heavily involved in data, technology, and risk assessment are poised for expansion. ^[6]

Financial Examiners are expected to see above-average growth, a trend likely driven by the continued need for regulatory compliance and oversight following recent economic shifts. ^[6] Similarly, roles tied to personal financial planning are also expected to grow quickly, reflecting an aging population and increasing complexity in personal wealth management. ^[6] This contrasts somewhat with the relatively stable, though often high-paying, world of traditional corporate finance.

When considering growth, think about where the money is flowing. If you notice that FinTech is disrupting traditional banking, then finance professionals who can bridge the gap between financial theory and the necessary coding or data science skills will likely see the best long-term opportunities, regardless of whether they are in a "fastest-growing" category today. ^[1] This intersectional skill set provides an adaptive advantage in a sector undergoing rapid technological change.

What Finance Jobs Are Best for Graduates?

# Investment Sector Careers

For many students majoring in finance, the allure of Wall Street—or its global equivalents—drives their early career decisions. Careers in Sales and Trading, Research, and Investment Banking fall squarely into this category, dealing with capital markets activity. ^[8] These paths often require an intense initial commitment but offer exposure to high-stakes transactions and diverse financial instruments. ^[7]

A common point of discussion on forums frequented by finance professionals is the trade-off between pure advisory work and direct investment. ^[1] Investment Banking focuses on transactional advisory—helping companies raise money or buy/sell other companies. In contrast, roles in Private Equity or Venture Capital involve actively taking an ownership stake in companies with the goal of improving them and selling them later for a profit. ^[2] Both are highly sought after, but the day-to-day analytical and networking demands differ significantly. ^[1]

Another frequently mentioned, but less publicly visible, high-value investment career is that of the Quantitative Analyst (or "Quant"). These individuals use advanced mathematics and programming to build complex trading models. While the barrier to entry is extremely high, often requiring advanced degrees in physics, math, or computer science alongside finance knowledge, the compensation structure reflects this specialized expertise, rivaling or exceeding many traditional investment banking tracks. ^[3]

# Corporate Finance Track

Not every excellent finance career requires working nights and weekends for a bank. The Corporate Finance track is centered on the internal financial health and strategy of non-financial corporations—from manufacturing giants to tech startups. ^[7][8]

Financial Analysts within a corporation focus on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, essentially acting as internal consultants to department heads. ^[5] As they progress, they become Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) managers, deeply involved in strategic decision-making about capital expenditures and operational efficiency. ^[8]

A key benefit often cited for the corporate path versus the sell-side (banking/markets) is generally better work-life integration. While quarterly earnings reports and budget cycles can create busy periods, the relentless day-to-day pressure is often less severe than in transactional finance. ^[1] If you value predictability alongside a strong salary—say, one where a $150,000 base salary with a$30,000 bonus is the norm rather than the exception requiring a huge year-end carry—the corporate route provides that stability. ^[5]

To successfully navigate the corporate path, developing strong presentation skills is paramount. You might build the most accurate financial model in the world, but if you cannot clearly translate those numbers into actionable business language for a non-finance executive, the model's value diminishes significantly. ^[8] Think of yourself not just as a calculator, but as a translator between operations and the capital structure.

What Jobs Are Best for Women?

# Getting Started

For those currently studying finance, knowing which entry-level roles are considered strong starting points is essential for mapping out future specialization. ^[8] Many students look toward roles that offer broad exposure, which can then inform a later specialization in areas like M&A, risk, or wealth management. ^[7]

Commercial Banking Analyst positions are often recommended for beginners. While perhaps not boasting the immediate superstar salaries of investment banking, commercial banking provides excellent training in credit analysis, risk assessment, and client relationship management across various industries. ^[8] This foundational knowledge about how different businesses manage their debt and cash flow is extremely transferable.

Another excellent starting point mentioned by college career services is the Treasury Analyst role. Treasury departments manage a company’s liquidity, cash flow, and short-term investments. ^[8] This role teaches practical skills regarding capital structure management and working with external banking partners—skills that are vital whether you stay in corporate finance or eventually transition to asset management. ^[7]

An actionable tip for any student aiming for the competitive roles is to look beyond the standard finance internship. If you are targeting a top-tier investment management firm, securing an internship with a reputable regional wealth management practice—even if the pay is lower—demonstrates an actual client-facing, fiduciary interest that can stand out against a stack of purely theoretical modeling internships. ^[1] Experience showing you understand client needs rather than just market movements is highly valued.

# Specialized Paths

Beyond the major divisions, several specific careers offer high rewards for deep expertise. Financial Advisors managing client assets can build very successful practices, heavily reliant on building a book of business and establishing long-term trust. ^[2][9] While early years can be slow, successful advisors who retain high-net-worth clients can create highly lucrative, self-sustaining careers.

Another area often overlooked by generalists is Risk Management, particularly within large financial institutions or regulatory bodies. While the title might not scream "highest paying," senior risk roles, especially those focusing on complex areas like market risk or regulatory capital modeling, command significant compensation because the cost of failure—a major financial crisis or massive regulatory fine—is so high. ^[6]

When considering these specialized tracks, remember that longevity often beats initial peak earnings. A career path that supports 30 or 40 years of high-level work, even if the peak earning years are slightly lower than a five-year investment banking blitz, often results in a higher lifetime income and better retirement prospects. ^[1] The best job in finance, therefore, might simply be the one that keeps you engaged and employable for the longest duration.