Quantitative 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.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $2,910/year (3%) higher than a Risk Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Risk Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Risk Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $145,592 | Quantitative +$10,179 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $120,107 | Quantitative +$9,985 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $148,730 | Quantitative +$2,880 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $113,068 | Quantitative +$3,845 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $113,339 | Quantitative $15 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $131,487 | Quantitative +$9,339 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £78,848 | Quantitative +$1,839 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$137,878 | Quantitative +$5,002 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Risk Manager earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $102,740/year for a Risk Manager — a difference of $2,910 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Risk Manager?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Risk Manager demand is growing at 16% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst to Risk Manager?+
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 Risk Manager?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.