Are you curious about CFA careers and career opportunities for CFA Charterholders in 2025? Discover the typical career paths available, including roles as a portfolio manager, research analyst, consultant, investment strategist, risk manager, and financial advisor. Learn what salaries you can expect in these positions.

The Chartered Financial Analyst designation—recognized globally by the CFA Institute—is highly valued across all sectors of the global finance industry, from portfolio management and financial analysis to private wealth management and consulting.

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Portfolio Manager

One critical area where CFA charterholders excel is in the role of Portfolio Managers in CFA careers.

Portfolio Managers make strategic investment decisions and manage client portfolios. These roles require an intricate understanding of financial markets and robust analytical skills—key elements taught in the CFA curriculum.

Salaries for these professionals range from $102,000 to $187,000 annually, with a median salary of about $135,000. At the peak of this profession, figures like Bill Gross—a distinguished CFA charterholder—earn millions annually due to their outstanding track records and deep expertise. Gross’s extraordinary earnings underscore the significant financial rewards achievable by the most accomplished CFA professionals.

Research Analyst

Research Analysts are vital in finance, analyzing financial data and market trends to recommend investments.

The CFA program equips charterholders with the rigorous training and comprehensive knowledge necessary for this role. It’s important to differentiate between the two main career paths for research analysts in CFA careers: sell-side and buy-side.

  • Sell-side analysts focus on specific industries’ stocks and assets, providing targeted advice to institutional investors, traders, and wealth managers.
  • Buy-side analysts deal directly with investments, seeking capital growth opportunities that match their company’s goals and portfolio strategy.

Both positions command high salaries. Buy-side analysts typically earn between $77,000 and $141,000, averaging $102,000, while sell-side analysts make between $116,000 and $217,000, with an average of $155,000.

Consultant

Consulting firms are professional service organizations offering various services, such as audit, financial advisory, management consulting, risk management, and tax services.

Consulting has become a popular career choice for CFA charterholders, with 10% now in the field—up from 6% in 2014. Financial Advisory Consultants collaborate with clients to offer strategic advice on financial planning, investment strategies, and risk management. They typically analyze financial data, develop models, and present recommendations to help clients meet their financial objectives.

Salaries in consulting vary widely by role—e.g., risk consultants earn between $71,000 and $124,000, averaging about $93,000, whereas tax consultants make between $81,000 and $152,000, with an average salary of around $108,000.

Investment Strategist

In addition to consulting, CFA charterholders often pursue CFA careers as Investment Strategists—who develop investment ideas and asset allocation strategies for portfolio management teams. This analytical and quantitative role requires a solid background in economics or statistics, focusing on deep market analysis and strategic thinking to enhance portfolio performance.

Compensation for investment strategists ranges widely from $229,000 to $428,000—averaging $305,000 annually.

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are crucial for helping organizations identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks. In the face of rising global instability and uncertainty, these professionals are increasingly sought after worldwide because companies strive to emerge as long-term winners.

Salaries for Risk Managers range from $106,000 to $195,000, averaging $141,000 annually.

Financial Advisor

A financial advisor manages your money—guiding your investment decisions while aligning with your needs, goals, and risk tolerance. They also assist during significant life milestones, such as purchasing a home, funding education, handling taxes, and planning for retirement. Their guidance is crucial during challenging periods like market slumps or significant personal changes, including marriage or childbirth.

The median salary for financial advisors is around $100,000, with top earners reaching above $239,000.

CFA Careers: Top Paths and Global Recognition

These are the most common career paths for CFA charterholders: portfolio management, research analysis, consulting, risk management, and specialized roles like investment strategists. The skills and knowledge acquired through the CFA program are highly valued by employers worldwide.

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