Financial Analyst vs Private Equity 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.
Private Equity Analyst
Source and evaluate acquisition targets and support portfolio company operations.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Private Equity Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Private Equity Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Private Equity Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $151,322 | Financial $4,493 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $126,878 | Financial $4,625 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $147,172 | Financial $4,047 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $116,906 | Financial $5,499 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $111,730 | Financial $1,375 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $134,203 | Financial +$877 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £79,218 | Financial +$3,652 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$134,781 | Financial $23,767 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Private Equity Analyst?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Private Equity Analyst demand is growing at 12% YoY. Private Equity Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst?+
Private Equity Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.