Quantitative Analyst vs Chief Financial Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Chief Financial Officer
Lead financial planning, reporting, and risk management for the organisation.
Chief Financial Officer earns more on average — the national median is $60,920/year (58%) higher than a Quantitative Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Chief Financial Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Chief Financial Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $247,058 | Quantitative $91,287 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $198,791 | Quantitative $68,699 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $230,837 | Quantitative $79,227 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $190,160 | Quantitative $73,247 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $173,541 | Quantitative $60,217 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $212,364 | Quantitative $71,538 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £128,871 | Quantitative $48,184 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$220,071 | Quantitative $77,191 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Chief Financial Officer earn more?+
A Chief Financial Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $166,570/year for a Chief Financial Officer — a difference of $60,920 (58%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Chief Financial Officer?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Chief Financial Officer demand is growing at 5% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst to Chief Financial Officer?+
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 — Quantitative Analyst or Chief Financial Officer?+
Chief Financial Officer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.