Financial Analyst vs Quantitative 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.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $2,910/year (3%) higher than a Financial Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Quantitative Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Quantitative Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $155,771 | Financial $8,942 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $130,092 | Financial $7,839 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $151,610 | Financial $8,485 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $116,913 | Financial $5,506 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $113,324 | Financial $2,969 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $140,826 | Financial $5,746 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £80,687 | Financial +$2,183 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$142,880 | Financial $31,866 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Quantitative Analyst earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Analyst is $102,740/year, compared to $105,650/year for a Quantitative Analyst — a difference of $2,910 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Quantitative Analyst?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Quantitative Analyst demand is growing at 18% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Quantitative 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 Analyst or Quantitative Analyst?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.