Financial Analyst vs Risk 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.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Risk Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Risk Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Risk Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $145,592 | Financial +$1,237 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $120,107 | Financial +$2,146 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $148,730 | Financial $5,605 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $113,068 | Financial $1,661 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $113,339 | Financial $2,984 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $131,487 | Financial +$3,593 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £78,848 | Financial +$4,022 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$137,878 | Financial $26,864 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Risk 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 Risk Manager — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Risk Manager?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Risk Manager demand is growing at 16% YoY. Risk Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Risk Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Excel.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Analyst or Risk Manager?+
Risk Manager has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.