Risk Manager vs ESG Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
ESG Analyst
Assess environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.
Risk Manager earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a ESG Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Risk Manager vs ESG Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Risk Manager | ESG Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,592 | $150,970 | Risk $5,378 |
| New York, NY | $120,107 | $128,930 | Risk $8,823 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,730 | $150,261 | Risk $1,531 |
| Austin, TX | $113,068 | $111,571 | Risk +$1,497 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,339 | $112,333 | Risk +$1,006 |
| Boston, MA | $131,487 | $134,464 | Risk $2,977 |
| London, UK | £78,848 | £81,801 | Risk $2,953 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,878 | CA$133,398 | Risk +$4,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Risk Manager or ESG Analyst earn more?+
A Risk Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Risk Manager is $102,740/year, compared to $102,740/year for a ESG Analyst — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Risk Manager or ESG Analyst?+
Risk Manager roles are growing at 16% YoY while ESG Analyst demand is growing at 35% YoY. ESG Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Risk Manager to ESG 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 — Risk Manager or ESG Analyst?+
ESG Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.