How Much Does an Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary Make? (2025)
The role of an entry level financial analyst has become increasingly important as companies strive to improve investments, enhance business performance, and respond to changing market trends.
With growing demand for professionals who can provide financial analysis, deliver value through accounting insights, and support organizations in achieving their goals, understanding the entry level financial analyst salary is key for career planning in this industry.
The average base salary for an entry level financial analyst is approximately $67,403 per year, according to Salary.com recent report. This guide reviews the salary of an entry level financial analyst, including state and city comparisons, the impact of experience, and strategies for increasing earnings.
What is the Average Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary?
As of August 27, 2025, an entry level financial analyst reports an average yearly salary of $67,403 in the United States. Salaries typically range between $55,940 and $79,057, depending on factors such as experience, employment location, industry, and specific job responsibilities.
Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary: $67,403 per year ($32 per hour)
The average monthly salary for entry level financial analysts is approximately $5,617, with a weekly salary of about $1,296. The hourly wage for this role averages around $32.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27 | $1,076 | $4,662 | $55,940 |
| 25th Percentile | $30 | $1,181 | $5,117 | $61,403 |
| 50th Percentile | $32 | $1,296 | $5,617 | $67,403 |
| 75th Percentile | $35 | $1,414 | $6,125 | $71,503 |
| 90th Percentile | $38 | $1,520 | $6,588 | $79,057 |
Entry Level Financial Analyst Salaries State by State
The entry level financial analyst salary can vary significantly by state, influenced by local demand, cost of living, and the concentration of finance-related businesses and industries. Below is a table outlining the average annual salaries for entry level financial analysts across the U.S.
For example, District of Columbia offers one of the highest average salaries for entry level financial analysts at $74,603 per year, reflecting the state's financial services industry and market demand. On the lower end, Mississippi averages about $60,103 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $72,903 |
| Alabama | $61,903 |
| Arkansas | $60,903 |
| Arizona | $65,703 |
| California | $74,303 |
| Colorado | $68,703 |
| Connecticut | $72,003 |
| District of Columbia | $74,603 |
| Delaware | $68,203 |
| Florida | $63,803 |
| Georgia | $65,003 |
| Hawaii | $70,403 |
| Iowa | $64,503 |
| Idaho | $62,903 |
| Illinois | $68,703 |
| Indiana | $64,703 |
| Kansas | $64,203 |
| Kentucky | $63,403 |
| Louisiana | $64,103 |
| Massachusetts | $73,303 |
| Maryland | $69,503 |
| Maine | $65,703 |
| Michigan | $66,403 |
| Minnesota | $68,903 |
| Missouri | $64,003 |
| Mississippi | $60,103 |
| Montana | $63,603 |
| North Carolina | $64,003 |
| North Dakota | $66,603 |
| Nebraska | $63,503 |
| New Hampshire | $68,103 |
| New Jersey | $73,003 |
| New Mexico | $62,403 |
| Nevada | $66,703 |
| New York | $71,603 |
| Ohio | $65,603 |
| Oklahoma | $62,303 |
| Oregon | $68,403 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,103 |
| Rhode Island | $69,903 |
| South Carolina | $63,103 |
| South Dakota | $61,203 |
| Tennessee | $63,003 |
| Texas | $65,703 |
| Utah | $64,503 |
| Virginia | $67,803 |
| Vermont | $66,103 |
| Washington | $73,103 |
| Wisconsin | $66,303 |
| West Virginia | $60,703 |
| Wyoming | $64,603 |
Best-Paying Cities for Entry Level Financial Analysts
Similar to other finance-related positions, the entry level financial analyst salary can vary widely by location, influenced by the cost of living, demand for financial analysis, and the concentration of businesses and investment firms in the area.
For instance, San Jose, CA, San Francisco, CA, and New York, NY are among the top-paying locations for entry level financial analysts, with salaries reaching over $78,000 per year.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $85,003 |
| San Francisco, CA | $84,103 |
| Oakland, CA | $82,303 |
| New York, NY | $78,103 |
| Queens Village, NY | $77,603 |
| Paramus, NJ | $77,003 |
How Experience Affects the Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary
Experience directly impacts entry level financial analyst salaries, with pay steadily increasing as professionals gain skills and take on more responsibilities. At the entry level, analysts earn about $67,055. With more experience, intermediate analysts make around $67,685.
Moving up, a senior entry level financial analyst earns roughly $69,051. At the specialist level, salaries reach about $69,324. Finally, expert entry level financial analysts command the highest average pay of $69,506.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Level Financial Analyst | $67,055 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Financial Analyst | $67,685 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Financial Analyst | $69,051 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Financial Analyst | $69,324 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Financial Analyst | $69,506 |
How to Increase Your Salary as an Entry Level Financial Analyst
To enhance their salary potential, entry level financial analyst can focus on several strategies:
Obtain the CFA designation: Earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is one of the most effective ways to boost your salary. Candidates who pass CFA Level III or hold the full charter earn up to 57% more than peers who only completed Level I. This certification demonstrates advanced financial analysis, deep knowledge of investments, and strong commitment to the industry, qualities that many companies and clients value when hiring for higher-level positions.
Pursue an MBA or advanced education: Many entry level financial analysts seek further education, such as an MBA, to increase their salaries and advance their careers. Research shows that professionals with an MBA can earn roughly 18% more than those without one. A bachelor's degree may open the door to entry level financial positions, but graduate-level education often leads to higher-paying roles in finance, accounting, and businesses focused on long-term growth.
Develop in-demand financial skills: Employers consistently reward financial analysts who can provide clear analysis, track performance trends, and add measurable value to their organizations. Building expertise in financial modeling, corporate accounting, and investment forecasting makes you more competitive in the market.
Network and build professional expertise: Expanding your network is another proven way to improve your entry level financial analyst salary. By connecting with mentors, joining industry associations, and showcasing your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn, you position yourself for better job opportunities.
Relocate to high-paying financial hubs: Location plays a significant role in determining salaries for entry level financial analysts. Cities such as San Jose, San Francisco, and New York consistently report higher pay, largely due to the concentration of companies in banking, finance, and security investments. Relocating to these markets can lead to substantial increases in compensation, as demand for financial analysts in these areas often outpaces supply.
Entry Level Financial Analyst Skills
For an entry level financial analyst, skills play a big role in boosting salaries and career growth. Mastering tools like Tableau or Power BI can increase earnings by up to 7-8%, while expertise in finance and accounting software products raises pay by about 9%.
Meanwhile, specialized financial analysis abilities such as cash flow analysis or balance sheet analysis can bring salary increases of 7-10%, showing the strong value businesses place on accurate reporting and performance tracking.
| Skill | Demand (%) | Salary Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Tableau | 10.80% | +7.84% |
| Oracle | 10.70% | +7.20% |
| Forecasting | 10.70% | +7.32% |
| Finance & Accounting Software | 10.70% | +9.04% |
| Balance Sheet Analysis | 10.70% | +7.28% |
| Cash Flow Analysis | 10.60% | +9.73% |
| Power BI | 10.50% | +7.66% |
| Account Reconciliation | 10.40% | +7.35% |
What are FAQs About Entry Level Financial Analyst Salary
Here are some common questions about entry level financial analyst salary:
How much does an entry level financial analyst make?
As of August 27, 2025, the average base salary for an entry level financial analyst is $67,403 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $55,940 to $79,057, depending on industry, location, and job responsibilities.
What factors influence entry level financial analyst salaries?
Key factors include education level, skills in financial analysis and investments, the organization type (corporate finance, accounting, or consulting), and demand within the market. Professionals with advanced skills often see stronger performance-based pay.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to become a financial analyst?
Yes. Most companies require a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. This education provides the foundation for analyzing businesses, clients, and trends in financial markets.
How can an entry level financial analyst increase their salary?
Analysts can improve earnings through certification programs like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), building skills in forecasting, cash flow analysis, or software like Power BI. Relocating to higher-paying cities such as San Jose, CA or New York, NY can also lead to better salaries.
What is the difference between an entry level and senior financial analyst?
An entry level financial analyst is mainly responsible for data gathering, creating reports, and supporting investment analysis. A senior analyst, with more expertise and years of experience, typically advises clients, leads investments strategies, and earns higher compensation.
