Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Financial examiners work in a field that combines finance, regulation, and analytical review. Nationally, this occupation employs about 65,000 people and offers a median annual salary of $90,400, creating a solid earnings foundation. The role relies heavily on critical and analytical thinking, mathematics, and strong writing and reading abilities, making it appealing to people who enjoy detailed, structured work. Demand for financial examiners is projected to grow by 18.5%, with about 6,000 annual openings, indicating consistent hiring needs. Professionals in this career also draw on skills such as leadership, problem solving and decision making, speaking and listening, and project management, which can support advancement into more senior roles over time. Individuals considering this path may also be interested in related occupations like compensation and benefits managers, economists, postsecondary economics teachers, financial specialists (all other), or actuaries as alternative or complementary directions for their long-term career planning.
Financial examiners have a national median annual salary of $90,400, and pay levels vary meaningfully by location. Among the top states, New York reports a median salary of $128,920, Massachusetts $111,110, Washington $113,700, California $106,000, and Colorado $99,610. Several major metro areas show even higher median pay. For example, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro has a median salary of $157,560, and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro reports $133,380. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA shows $131,820, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $123,750. These figures indicate substantial geographic variation in earning potential, with some metros and states offering significantly higher median salaries than the national median. As financial examiners build experience and deepen skills in areas such as mathematics, critical thinking, and leadership, they may be positioned to compete for roles in higher-paying regions or organizations.
The employment outlook for financial examiners is notably strong in terms of projected growth and openings. National employment is about 65,000, and the occupation is projected to grow by 18.5%. This projected increase, combined with approximately 6,000 annual openings, suggests ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals. Because the same 18.5% growth rate appears across top states and major metro areas listed, the positive outlook is not limited to a single region. Instead, it reflects broad projected expansion for financial examiners in multiple parts of the country. For students and career changers, the combination of current employment levels, a clear growth projection, and recurring openings can support long-term planning, whether aiming to enter the field directly or to move into related roles over time. Individuals can also explore similar career paths, such as actuaries, economists, or financial specialists, if they want a different angle on analytical work in finance-related domains.
Location makes a meaningful difference for financial examiners in both salary and concentration of jobs. Among states with top CareerGPS opportunity scores, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington all show 18.5% projected growth, but differ in median pay and employment. New York has the largest employment at 13,480 and the highest median salary among these states at $128,920. California has 4,200 employed at a median of $106,000, while Colorado (1,910 employed, $99,610 median), Massachusetts (950 employed, $111,110 median), and Washington (420 employed, $113,700 median) offer smaller employment bases with strong earnings. At the metro level, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ areas have the highest opportunity scores, both with 18.5% growth and median salaries above $120,000. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro stands out for its median salary of $157,560, while San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also combine solid employment with high pay.
Financial examiners typically need a bachelor’s degree, making this a career that is accessible to individuals who complete four-year undergraduate study. Success in this field draws on a blend of quantitative, analytical, communication, and leadership abilities. Key skills include critical and analytical thinking and mathematics, which support the evaluation and interpretation of financial information. Strong writing and reading skills are also central, reflecting the importance of producing clear documentation and understanding detailed materials. Speaking and listening, interpersonal abilities, and leadership help financial examiners communicate with colleagues and stakeholders. Problem solving and decision making, along with adaptability, are important for handling complex or changing situations. Skills in computers and information technology and project management further support the day-to-day work and coordination of tasks. People who build this mix of skills alongside a bachelor’s degree will be better positioned to enter and grow in financial examiner roles or move into related analytical careers over time.
Use CareerGPS Pro to compare markets, understand the tradeoffs, and focus on the places with the strongest potential.
