Financial Advisor vs ESG Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Advisor
Provide personalised financial planning and investment advice to clients.
ESG Analyst
Assess environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.
Financial Advisor earns more on average — the national median is $2,330/year (2%) higher than a ESG Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Advisor vs ESG Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Advisor | ESG Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,208 | $150,970 | Financial +$4,238 |
| New York, NY | $123,872 | $128,930 | Financial $5,058 |
| Seattle, WA | $147,914 | $150,261 | Financial $2,347 |
| Austin, TX | $120,423 | $111,571 | Financial +$8,852 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,593 | $112,333 | Financial +$3,260 |
| Boston, MA | $138,889 | $134,464 | Financial +$4,425 |
| London, UK | £82,815 | £81,801 | Financial +$1,014 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,369 | CA$133,398 | Financial +$1,971 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Advisor or ESG Analyst earn more?+
A Financial Advisor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Advisor is $105,070/year, compared to $102,740/year for a ESG Analyst — a difference of $2,330 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Advisor or ESG Analyst?+
Financial Advisor roles are growing at 15% YoY while ESG Analyst demand is growing at 35% YoY. ESG Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Advisor to ESG Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Advisor or ESG Analyst?+
ESG Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.