Financial Analyst 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 Analyst
Analyse financial data and prepare reports to support investment and business decisions.
ESG Analyst
Assess environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a ESG Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs ESG Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | ESG Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $150,970 | Financial $4,141 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $128,930 | Financial $6,677 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $150,261 | Financial $7,136 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $111,571 | Financial $164 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $112,333 | Financial $1,978 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $134,464 | Financial +$616 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £81,801 | Financial +$1,069 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$133,398 | Financial $22,384 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or ESG Analyst earn more?+
A Financial Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Analyst is $102,740/year, compared to $102,740/year for a ESG Analyst — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or ESG Analyst?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while ESG Analyst demand is growing at 35% YoY. ESG Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to ESG Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Financial Modelling.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Analyst or ESG Analyst?+
ESG Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.