Financial Analyst vs Portfolio Manager: 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.
Portfolio Manager
Manage investment portfolios to maximise returns for clients.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Portfolio Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Portfolio Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Portfolio Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $151,713 | Financial $4,884 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $123,694 | Financial $1,441 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $146,467 | Financial $3,342 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $113,384 | Financial $1,977 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $109,474 | Financial +$881 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $136,585 | Financial $1,505 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £78,248 | Financial +$4,622 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$138,044 | Financial $27,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Portfolio Manager 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 Portfolio Manager — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Portfolio Manager?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Portfolio Manager demand is growing at 12% YoY. Portfolio Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Portfolio Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Bloomberg.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Analyst or Portfolio Manager?+
Portfolio Manager has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.