Financial Analyst Salary in California
Based on 45K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$109,110
$52.46/hr
vs National Average
$97,172
+12.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $198K
45K employed in California
Financial Analyst salary in California averages $109,110 per year, positioning the state as a competitive market for finance professionals. With approximately 45,380 financial analysts employed across California, this figure represents a 12% premium over the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and concentration of major financial centers.
Compensation for financial analysts in California typically ranges from $72,840 to $198,280 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer size. Factors influencing Financial Analyst salary in California include industry sector, years of professional experience, specific certifications like the CFA, proximity to major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the financial stability of individual firms.
Salary Distribution — Financial Analyst in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,840 |
| 25th percentile | $86,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,110 |
| 75th percentile | $146,840 |
| 90th percentile | $198,280 |
Top-Paying Industries for Financial Analyst (U.S.)
Which industries pay Financial Analysts the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Financial Analysts in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $124,750 | 1K |
| Information | $118,090 | 12K |
| Finance and Insurance | $107,030 | 155K |
| Utilities | $106,720 | 2K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $104,500 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Financial Analyst in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,960 |
| 2023 | $109,080 |
| 2024 | $111,100 |
| 2025 | $109,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,110 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,960 | $85,095 |
| 2023 | $109,080 | $87,779 |
| 2024 | $111,100 | $94,263 |
| 2025 | $109,110 | $97,172 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,110 | $97,172 |
Financial Analyst Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $86,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $146,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $198,280 |
Financial Analyst Salary in Other States
Related Financial Analyst Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Financial Analyst ($109,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Financial Analyst | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +65.7% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +19.6% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +19.4% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +9.4% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -2.9% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -8.8% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -10.3% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -11.1% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -11.1% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -25.1% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -25.9% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -26.9% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do financial analysts make in California?
- Financial analysts in California earn a median salary of $109,110 per year, or $52 per hour. This is 12.3% higher than the national average, making California one of the top-paying states for this role.
What is the salary range for financial analysts in California?
- Financial analyst salaries in California range from $72,840 at the lower end to $198,280 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size.
Is financial analyst a good paying job in California?
- Yes, financial analysts are well-compensated in California with a median salary of $109,110 annually, which exceeds the national average by 12.3%. There are currently 45,380 financial analysts employed in California, indicating strong demand for the role.
What's the hourly wage for a financial analyst in California?
- The median hourly wage for financial analysts in California is $52 per hour, which translates to an annual median salary of $109,110. Entry-level positions start around $35/hour based on the $72,840 annual floor.