CFA Salary in the USA
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CFA, or Chartered Financial Analyst, is a globally recognised finance certification offered by the CFA Institute. The programme consists of three levels and usually takes 3-4 years to complete. In the USA, CFA charterholders earn an average salary of $80,000-$200,000, depending on experience and job role.
For Indian finance professionals, the CFA charter is highly valued for building careers in investment banking, portfolio management, and equity research in the US. The qualification is widely recognised by Wall Street employers and can improve global career opportunities and earning potential.
CFA Course in the USA: Highlights
| Particulars | Course Details |
| CFA Full Form | Chartered Financial Analyst |
| Duration | 3 – 4 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria |
|
| Exam Cycles | February, May, August, or November |
| Exam Levels | 3 |
| Early Registration Cost |
|
| Standard Registration |
|
| Scholarships |
|
Note: Work experience can be completed before, during, or after passing the three CFA exam levels. However, candidates must complete the experience requirement before receiving the CFA charter, though it is not necessary before starting the programme.
CFA Average Salary in the USA
The average CFA salary in the USA varies depending on location, experience, company, job sector, and other factors. CFA charter holders with high experience tend to earn more than entry-level positions. CFA average salary in the USA are as follows:
| Experience | Average Pay |
| Less than 1 year | $82,893 |
| 1 – 4 years | $95,000 |
| 5 – 9 years | $99,990 |
| 10 – 19 years | $150,000 |
| 20 years and higher | $142,500 |
CFA Salary by Location in the USA
| City | Average CFA Salary |
| New York, NY | $120,000-$200,000+ |
| San Francisco, CA | $115,000-$190,000 |
| Boston, MA | $100,000-$170,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $95,000-$160,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $85,000-$140,000 |
Location plays a major role in CFA compensation across the USA. New York-based CFA charterholders often earn 30-40% higher salaries than the national average due to the concentration of investment banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms on Wall Street. However, higher living costs in cities such as New York and San Francisco can reduce the difference in after-tax purchasing power.
CFA Jobs in the USA
CFA charter holders enjoy careers in commercial banking, asset and wealth management, consulting, investment banking, and more. The details are tabulated below:
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Investment Research Analyst | $105,000 |
| Portfolio Manager | $117,710 |
| Equity Research Analyst | $161,000 |
| Risk Manager | $128,215 |
| Corporate Financial Analyst | $95,000 |
| Business Development Officer | $100,023 |
CFA vs MBA in Finance Careers: CFA charterholders typically earn $100,000-$161,000 in investment and portfolio management roles, while top MBA graduates often earn $120,000-$175,000 in consulting, investment banking, and leadership positions. The CFA is preferred for specialised finance careers, whereas an MBA offers broader management opportunities.
Note: Salary data is based on the CFA Institute Compensation Survey, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and Glassdoor US salary data. Total compensation for senior CFA professionals may exceed base salary by 20-40% through bonuses and incentives.
CFA Affiliated Universities in the USA
Various USA universities have partnerships with the CFA institute to assist the students in preparing for the exam. Some of the notable CFA-affiliated universities in the USA are given below:
- Arizona State University
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kansas State University
- Michigan State University
- New York University
- The Pennsylvania State University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Kansas
- University of Pittsburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Is work experience necessary to pursue a CFA in the USA?
Candidates must have at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, completed in at least 36 months to pursue a CFA in the USA.
Are there any scholarships available to pursue CFA in the USA?
Yes, currently there are three scholarships available. Access, Student, and Professor scholarships are available to pursue CFA in the USA.
Is CFA a high-paying job in the USA?
A CFA degree from the USA can lead to high-paying job opportunities. The average salary may vary based on the location, job role, and company size.
What is the average earning of a CFA in the USA?
Depending on experience, location, and employment sector, a CFA earns between $80,000 and $200,000.
Which companies hire the most for CFA in the USA?
JPMorgan Chase, RBC, Bank of America, UBS, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, Ernst & Young, and Goldman Sachs are some of the top employers for CFA in the USA.
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