CFA Salary

The job of a chartered financial analyst mainly consists of giving correct investment suggestions to their clients. There are many chartered financial analysts who work for renowned brokerage firms. CFA salary is generally high as compared to several other professions for the simple reason that these professionals are highly qualified and handle important responsibilities in their place of work. CPA vs CFA earning comparison is often made but the facts suggest that both of these fields offer a competitive environment for youngsters and a great chance to climb the corporate ladder.

CFA Salary Details

The average CFA earnings largely depend on their experience, educational qualifications, position in the organization, type of employer and location of job. Chartered financial analysts working for multinational financial services and brokerage firms earn much more than their counterparts working in smaller firms. Financial analysts who work in large metropolitan cities are bound to earn more than those working in relatively smaller cities. Financial analyst salary range can change as per the economic growth. According to job market experts, CFA median salary for those who have just entered this field is in the range of US$ 47,000 to US$ 52,000 per year. With around two to four years of experience, you can easily earn more than US$ 60,000 per year. CFA earnings increase is fast for graduates from reputed business schools. With an experience of eight to ten years, you can earn anything between US$ 75,000 to US$ 120,000 per year. The CFA's who work as the chief financial officer of a large company can expect salaries in excess of US$ 130,000 per year. Top banking and finance firms in New York, Texas, California and Washington are the major recruiters for CFA graduates.

Apart from the fixed salary, such highly placed finance professionals also earn from bonuses, stock options, incentives and attractive perks. However, this is a variable component of their earning and can change depending on the situation in the market. Now, let us know about the chartered financial analyst job description in detail in the next paragraph.

Job Description of a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered financial analysts conduct a thorough research on the investment options such as stocks and bonds of companies. They track the stock prices of companies of different sectors. Financial services, banking, oil and gas exploration, pharmaceuticals, media and metals are the sectors which these financial analysts track closely. Some financial analysts research on a particular sector and suggest investment in companies in that sector. Chartered financial analysts also study the history of stock prices of a company so that they can come up with right buy or sell recommendations for their clients. The aim of their job is to help their clients earn maximum profits and hence, these analysts make them aware of the dangers and risks in the stock market. Financial analysts also suggest investment in bonds which are actually loans given to corporates for a long-term. Once their research is over, chartered financial analysts prepare an investment report and submit it to their clients and their stock brokers. By discussing every point in the report systematically, clients can make transactions in stocks of companies to get decent capital gains. A sense of financial management is a must for these analysts.

In order to become a certified financial analyst, you should complete your graduation in accounts, commerce or finance. A post-graduate degree from a renowned university can make your resume very strong. Degree holders in subjects such as mathematics, economics and statistics can also enter this field. Generally, chartered financial analysts have to undergo in-house training at their workplace as a trainee before they are made permanent.

This information on CFA earnings, educational requirements and job description will guide you well and help you explore career opportunities in this field of finance. So, work hard for a better future!