What Can You Do With A Finance Degree? Career Options + Tips

A finance degree is a great way to show off your skills and knowledge in the world of money management. It’s a practical field with solid job prospects, and there’s always going to be a need for finance experts. Plus, many of these jobs pay really well, even if you’re just starting out. So, what can you do with a finance degree?

In this blog, we list 10 of the most on-demand careers that you can explore if you are a finance major. Listed from the highest annual salary to the lowest, we also include the level of degree required for that job position. Plus, we also include important certifications you can take to increase your chances of success in the field.

• Top 10 Careers For Finance Majors
• Important Finance-Related Certifications
• Important Finance-Related Skills
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top 10 Careers For Finance Majors

You might picture finance majors as the typical “finance bro” type, always talking about stocks over happy hour. And sure, if that’s your vibe, you’re on the right track. But if that’s not quite you, don’t worry—there are plenty of other paths you can take with a finance degree.

1. Loan officer

• Average annual salary: $183,075
• Level of degree required: Bachelor/Master’s degree and certifications

Loan officers are the folks who help decide whether people or businesses qualify for loans and what the terms should be. They can work for banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, or other financial institutions, reviewing applications and making sure borrowers meet all the requirements. 

If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a loan officer is one solid option. As for the career outlook, loan officers are in demand, especially in the real estate and banking sectors. It’s a great role for those who enjoy working with numbers and helping people make major financial decisions. Plus, with experience, there’s room to move up to higher-paying positions or specialize in areas like commercial loans or mortgage underwriting.

2. Actuary

• Average annual salary: $120,164
• Level of degree required: Master’s degree and certifications

Actuaries are the number-crunchers who use their financial and math skills to predict potential risks and help businesses come up with strategies to reduce those risks. They play a huge role in industries like banking, insurance, and accounting, where they work with management teams to make decisions about the company’s future. 

If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming an actuary is an excellent choice, as it allows you to combine analytical skills with risk management. Most actuary jobs require just a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, but you’ll need to pass several exams to become fully certified.

3. Compensation and benefits manager

• Average annual salary: $101,499
• Level of degree required: Master’s degree and certifications

Compensation and benefits managers are the people behind the scenes who help companies figure out fair and competitive pay structures for their employees. Their goal is to create a wage system that keeps employees happy while making sure of the company’s long-term success. While a bachelor’s degree in business or finance can get you started, having atleast master’s degree in finance can seriously boost your chances of landing a role in this field.

It’s a role that mixes finance with HR, so you’ll need strong analytical and communication skills to negotiate pay scales and benefits packages that work for both the company and its employees. If you’re considering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a compensation and benefits manager is a great option, as it allows you to merge financial knowledge with human resources to create strategic compensation systems.

4. Economists

• Average annual salary: $105,630
• Level of degree required: Bachelor’s degree (typically with experience)

Economists study and analyze the factors that shape a country’s or society’s economy, such as inflation, supply and demand, and other financial trends. They dig into data to understand how these forces affect everything from businesses to government policies. If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming an economist is one option that allows you to explore large-scale financial trends and their impact on the world. Economists can work in research labs, universities, for the government, or with consulting firms.

As for the career outlook, economists are in high demand, especially in government and corporate sectors. Those working in government or private consulting often make even more, depending on experience and specialization.

5. Financial analyst

• Average annual salary: $95,570
• Level of degree required: at least a bachelor’s degree

A financial analyst (or sometimes called a business analyst) looks at financial data to help companies make smart decisions. They can either work directly for a company or as a consultant, hopping between different clients to offer advice.

As for the career itself, financial analysts are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031. Those working in securities, commodities, and financial services often earn more than their counterparts in other sectors. If you’re asking what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a financial analyst is a promising path.

The role offers great growth potential too. With enough experience, you can move into senior analyst positions, portfolio management, or even take on executive roles like CFO. Plus, the job offers exposure to different aspects of a business, which can be useful if you want to transition into other fields later on.

6. Underwriter

• Average annual salary: $95,169
• Level of degree required: Bachelor’s degree (typically with experience)

Underwriters are the people who assess the financial health of individuals or businesses to figure out how risky it is to lend them money or offer them insurance. They look at things like assets, financial history, and overall repayment ability. Underwriters can be found working at mortgage companies, banks, insurance firms, or even third-party lenders. If you’re exploring what can you do with a finance degree, becoming an underwriter is another solid option. It offers opportunities to work in various sectors with strong analytical responsibilities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in underwriting are expected to decline slightly by about 2% from 2021 to 2031, mostly due to advancements in technology and automation. However, experienced underwriters and those with expertise in specialized areas, like insurance or real estate, are still highly valued and can secure well-paying roles.

7. Business teacher

• Average annual salary: (postsecondary) $94,360; (high school) $61,820
• Level of degree required: Bachelor/Master’s degree and certifications

Business teachers use their expertise in finance and business to teach students the basics of accounting, marketing, investing, and management. With a bachelor’s degree, you can start teaching business courses at the high school level. If you go for an advanced degree, you’ll have the opportunity to intern as a trainee business teacher at the college level, which can open up even more career options.

If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a business teacher allows you to share your knowledge and help shape future professionals in the finance and business fields.

With additional experience and advanced education, business teachers can take on more specialized roles, like department head or administrator, which comes with higher pay. This career is perfect for those who love sharing their knowledge and helping students understand the real-world application of finance and business concepts

8. Personal financial adviser

• Average annual salary: $94,170
• Level of degree required: bachelor’s degree and certifications

Personal financial advisers help people figure out the best ways to grow their money and manage their financial portfolios. They can either work for big financial or insurance companies or choose to go solo and be self-employed. If you’re curious what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a personal financial adviser is one route that offers flexibility. It allows you to either work within a company or establish your own practice, depending on your preferences and career goals.

As for the career outlook, personal financial advisers are in a strong spot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for financial advisers is expected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for other careers.

What’s great about this career is the flexibility. Many advisers work independently, which means they can set their schedules and client base. Plus, there’s always room to grow. With experience, advisers can move into senior positions, take on more high-net-worth clients, or even start their own financial consulting firms.

9. Tax associate

• Average annual salary: $70,384
• Level of degree required: Bachelor’s degree

Tax associates are the go-to experts for helping clients navigate IRS regulations and make sure they’re staying compliant. They help prepare tax returns by tracking income, expenses, and reviewing all the important financial records. If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a tax associate is one path that allows you to specialize in tax law and accounting. You can help individuals and businesses stay on top of their financial obligations.

In addition, you can use your know-how to find tax deductions and adjustments that can lower the amount your clients owe—basically, you’re all about saving your clients money. While most tax associates have a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, having a master’s degree in one of those fields can give you a big leg up when it comes to landing a job.

10. Vendor manager

• Average annual salary: $66,076
• Level of degree required: Bachelor’s degree

Vendor managers are the people who handle deals between businesses and their suppliers, making sure everything runs smoothly. Most vendor managers work in wholesale or manufacturing, where they crunch numbers for price proposals, create financial reports, and keep tabs on current pricing data—basically handling a lot of finance-related tasks. To land this role, a bachelor’s degree and solid communication skills are usually a must. If you’re exploring what can you do with a finance degree, becoming a vendor manager offers a path where financial skills meet operational management to ensure business relationships are efficient and profitable.

When it comes to the job market, vendor management is a specialized role, and the demand for vendor managers tends to follow the health of industries like manufacturing and retail.

Important Finance-Related Certifications

Expanding your credentials with finance-related certifications can help you stand out in the industry. While having a general degree in finance or business provides a strong foundation, earning specialized certifications demonstrates your expertise in specific areas and can boost your career prospects.

If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, obtaining certifications like CFA, CPA, or FRM can give you a competitive edge by showing employers that you have in-depth knowledge and practical skills tailored to specific finance fields, making you a more attractive candidate for advanced roles.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA). If you’re aiming to become a licensed accountant, the CPA is a must. Offered by the AICPA or American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, it’s essential for anyone who wants to practice accounting professionally.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Looking to advance in investment analysis? The CFA is your go-to. You’ll learn key skills like portfolio management and securities analysis, which can help you land senior roles in finance.
• Financial Risk Management (FRM). This certification is perfect if you’re interested in risk assessment, which is highly sought after in banking and insurance. The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) offers it.
• Certified Investment Banking Analyst (CIBA). If you want hands-on experience in investment and asset management, the CIBA covers everything from mergers to firm valuation—great for giving your resume a boost.
• Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA). This one’s all about mastering financial modeling, a useful skill for just about any business sector. The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) offers courses to get you certified.

Important Finance-Related Skills

When you’re aiming for a career in finance, there are a few key skills that can really set you apart and help you thrive in the industry. Whether you’re working in investment, banking, accounting, or risk management, these skills will not only make your job easier but also open doors to better opportunities. What can you do with a finance degree? Mastering these skills ensures you’re well-equipped to succeed across various financial sectors.

• Analytical thinking. Finance is all about numbers, data, and trends. Being able to analyze complex information and make sense of it is crucial. This skill helps you spot opportunities, assess risks, and make informed decisions that can impact a business or client’s financial health.
• Attention to detail. In finance, even the smallest mistake can lead to big consequences. If you’re preparing financial reports, calculating taxes, or managing investments, paying attention to every detail ensures accuracy and prevents costly errors.
• Communication skills. It’s not just about crunching numbers—you also need to explain financial concepts and strategies to people who might not be finance experts. Strong communication helps you present your findings clearly and build trust with clients or colleagues.
• Problem-solving. In finance, you’re often faced with challenges like managing risks, cutting costs, or improving financial performance. Being a good problem-solver means you can find creative solutions to these issues, helping businesses run more efficiently. If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, having strong problem-solving skills opens doors to roles where you can make a significant impact by addressing complex financial challenges and improving organizational outcomes.
• Technical skills. With so many advanced tools and software available, having a good handle on financial software (like Excel or specialized platforms) is essential. Technical skills help you streamline tasks, analyze data quickly, and make your work more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What jobs can you get with a finance major?

With a finance major, you’ve got a lot of career options. Here are five common jobs you can land:

• Financial analyst. Analyze financial data to help businesses make smart investment decisions.
• Investment banker. Assist companies with raising capital and handling mergers and acquisitions.
• Financial planner. Help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and achieve personal financial goals.
• Accountant. Manage financial records, prepare tax documents, and ensure financial accuracy for businesses or individuals.
• Risk manager. Identify and manage potential financial risks that could impact a company’s operations.

2. How many jobs are available in finance in 2024?

In 2024, the finance sector in the U.S. continues to show strong demand for professionals across a variety of roles. According to recent data, there are around 209,000 active job postings in the finance industry, with this number increasing month by month. It’s also estimated that there will be approximately 980,200 job openings per year in finance-related roles due to growth and the replacement of workers leaving the field​.

3. Is a finance degree expensive?

A finance degree can be expensive, with tuition costs varying depending on the institution. On average, tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in finance at a public university can range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year for in-state students, and up to $40,000 for out-of-state students. Private universities tend to be more expensive, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Additional costs like textbooks, fees, and living expenses can add to the overall cost.

Takeaways

A finance degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The versatility of this field is impressive, as finance professionals can work in areas from loan processing to risk management. If you’re wondering what can you do with a finance degree, you’ll find that the options are vast. It allows you to choose a career that aligns with your strengths and interests.

• A finance degree doesn’t lock you into one specific role. Whether you want to become a financial analyst, loan officer, or actuary, there are plenty of career options to explore.
• Finance jobs generally come with solid salaries, even at the entry level. For instance, loan officers have one of the highest average salaries in the sector at $183,075, while actuaries also earn competitive pay, averaging $120,164 annually.
• Certifications such as CFA, CPA, or FRM help you deepen their knowledge in specific areas, which is key to career advancement.
• Many finance-related careers, such as financial analysts and personal financial advisers, are expected to see above-average job growth. For example, employment for financial analysts is projected to grow by 9%, and for personal financial advisers, by 15% from 2021 to 2031
• The success of your future career in finance can start during college. Your choice of school can heavily impact that future. Get help from a college admission expert to help you choose the perfect school for your skills and qualifications.