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CFA Salary in USA: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is one of the most desired qualifications in the finance business, with a rigorous curriculum that focuses on investment management and financial analysis. Earning the CFA charter not only improves your abilities and credibility but also significantly increases your earning potential. CFAs in the United States earn good pay, reflecting the high demand for their financial market experience. Their average annual salary ranges between USD 50,000 to USD 200,000. The pay scale depends on the experience level.
For more details about CFA salary in USA, keep reading!!
This Blog Includes:
What is the Average Salary of CFA in USA?
CFA salaries in the USA usually earn competitive salaries, reflecting the importance of their role in different countries. In the USA, the average annual salary for a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) ranges from USD 50,000 to USD 150,00. However, this amount might vary depending on a number of criteria, including experience, location, and specialisation.
| Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | Average Salary |
| Entry-Level Analyst | USD 50,000 and USD 60,000 per year. |
| Mid-Level Analyst | USD 60,000 and USD 80,000 per year. |
| Senior Analyst | USD 90,000 and USD 150,000 per year. |
Please take note that the pay ranges discussed in this article are merely suggestions. Based on factors including geography, work title, education, and experience, an individual’s pay may differ.
CFA Salary in USA based on Experience
Experience is a key factor in salary determination. A professional can earn more salary as their experience grows. The salary of a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) starts at USD 50,250 and can go to USD 150,000 or more. Here we have mentioned the CFA salary in USA based on the years of experience an individual has.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary |
| 1-4 Years | USD 63,900 |
| 5-9 Years | USD 93, 452 |
| 10-19 Years | USD 119,309 |
| More than 20 Years | USD 147,260 |
Also Read: CFP vs CFA: Which One is Better?
CFA Salary in USA based on Educational Level
Education plays an important role in how much an individual will earn. A higher-paying job of CFA in USA requires a higher level of education. A person with a bachelor’s degree in CFA can earn up to USD 162,500 while the pay gets higher with a master’s and doctoral program.
Below we have mentioned the CFA salary in USA by Education level.
| Education Level | Average Salary (as per the educational level) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | USD 162,500 |
| Master’s Degree | USD 215,542 |
CFA salary in USA based on Location
Salaries for CFA depend on the location in which they are working. Some metropolis cities, like New York and Los Angeles, generally pay higher wages to their workers than rural or semi-rural ones. This is due to the increased cost of living and demand for these skills in metropolitan areas. Below we have mentioned the estimated salary of cfa salary in usa based on Location or cities.
| City | Average Salary of CFA |
| Boston, Massachusetts | USD 71,156 |
| Chicago, Illinois | USD 76,497 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | USD 69,212 |
| Miami, Florida | USD 73,837 |
| Houston, Texas | USD 78,239 |
| Jersey City, New Jersey | USD 66,290 |
| San Diego, California | USD 80,608 |
CFA Salary in USA based on Organisation
Large firms pay higher compensation than smaller or local ones. With more experience comes a higher position and this affects the salary of the individual in an organisation. Working with international organisations in the position of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can provide people with opportunities to handle large projects, which comes with a higher salary.
Let’s look at some of the companies and the average estimated salary.
| Company | Average Salary (Monthly) |
| UBS | USD 82,699 to USD 145,469 |
| Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) | USD 85,524 to USD 150,438 |
| Marquette Associates | USD 75,330 to USD 132,507 |
| JP Morgan Chase | USD 76,490 to USD 134,548 |
Some of the top recruiters for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are:
- Royal Bank of Canada
- BofA Securities
- UBS Group
- HSBC Holdings
- Wells Fargo and Company
- TD Bank Financial Group
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- EY
Also Read: CFA Level 1: Eligibility, Course, Syllabus, Structure
CFA Salary in USA Based on Position
CFA salary in USA varies according to the positions. Apart from specialisation, a number of experience also led to the promotion of positions for the individual, which influences the salary.
Below we have mentioned the CFA salary in USA based on their various positions, which will help you to understand the role of growth in the field.
| Position | Average Salary |
| Financial Analyst | USD 80,930 |
| Chief Investment Officer | USD 344,500 |
| Portfolio Manager (Equities) | USD 316,600 |
| Portfolio Manager (Fixed Income) | USD 253,250 |
| Project Manager | USD 77,000 |
How to Become CFA in USA?
To become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in the United States, you must first pass the rigorous CFA curriculum offered by the CFA Institute. The accreditation is highly valued in the fields of investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Understand the CFA Program Structure
The CFA program includes three levels:
Level I: It focuses on the fundamental understanding of investment instruments and ethical standards.
Level II: It includes more advanced topics such as asset appraisal and financial analysis.
Level III: It focuses on portfolio management and advanced investment methods.
CFA Eligibility Criteria
To enrol in the CFA program, you must meet one of the following requirements.
- Have a bachelor’s degree or be in your final year of undergraduate program.
- Have 4,000 hours of professional work experience (not necessarily connected to investing) spanning at least three years.
- Combine education and job experience for a minimum of 4,000 hours over three years.
Enroll in the CFA Program
Register on the CFA Institute’s website. Pay the one-time program enrolment cost (about USD 350) and the exam fee (between USD 900 and USD 1,200, depending on registration timing).
Prepare for the CFA Program
Each level takes between 300 and 400 hours of study. Use the CFA Institute’s curriculum, third-party study materials, and practice examinations. As the tests are given numerous times every year, you should plan your preparation accordingly.
Pass the CFA Exam
Levels I, II, and III exams are computer-based and administered globally. To move on to the next level, you must first complete each one. The tests examine your knowledge of economics, mathematical methods, ethical and professional standards, and portfolio management.
Fulfil the Work Experience
To obtain the CFA designation, you must:
- Obtain at least 4,000 hours of relevant professional job experience.
- The experience must include analysing or using financial, economic, or statistical data to make investment decisions.
Submit your Application
Apply for membership in both the CFA Institute and a local CFA Society. Please provide professional references and validate your employment experience. Pay the annual membership dues.
Follow the CFA Institute Code of Ethics
As a CFA charter holder, you have to stick to the CFA Institute’s ethical and professional standards, which prioritise integrity and professionalism.
FAQs
The starting average salary of a CFA in the USA is USD 126,000 which can go up to USD 177,000.
The average hourly pay for a CFA Level 1 in the IS is USD 22.56 per hour. Currently, this wage ranges around USD 15.14 to USD 25 across the United States.
Senior Financial Analyst has the highest salary in the CFA positions.
Generally, both CPAs and CFAs have the potential for high earnings, and the specific salary can vary based on factors like experience, location, industry, and the specific role. However, on average, CFA charter holders tend to earn slightly more than CPAs. This is because CFA charter holders often work in higher-paying roles in investment management, hedge funds, and private equity.
Yes, a CFA charter can lead to a high-paying career. CFA charter holders often work in roles like portfolio management, investment analysis, and financial advising, which are typically well-compensated.
The salary for a CFA Level 3 job in the USA can vary significantly depending on the specific role, company, and location. However, on average, CFA Level 3 professionals can expect to earn a salary in the range of USD 100,000 to USD 200,000 per year.
Yes, an Indian CFA can work in the USA. However, they may need to fulfil certain visa requirements and potentially additional certifications or licensing depending on the specific role and state regulations. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the specific requirements.
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