How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance? Market Demand & Career Outlook

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. finance and insurance sector employs more than 6.5 million professionals, with millions more working globally in finance-related roles.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth across most finance occupations through 2026 and beyond, with certain specialties growing much faster than average.
• High-demand roles include financial analysts, accountants, compliance officers, financial managers, and fintech specialists.
• Technology and automation are reshaping finance careers, but they are also creating new jobs in data analytics, risk management, and financial technology.
• Remote work, global hiring, and professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, and CFP are major career accelerators.

The Size of the Finance Job Market in 2025

If you are asking, “How many jobs are available in finance?” the answer depends on whether you mean total employment or current job openings. Both numbers are strong and trending upward.

In the United States alone:

• Over 6.5 million people are employed in finance and insurance, according to federal labor data.
• Accounting and auditing roles account for more than 1.5 million jobs.
• Financial and investment analysts represent roughly 300,000+ positions.
• Financial managers exceed 750,000 roles nationwide.

Globally, the finance sector employs tens of millions of professionals across banking, investment management, insurance, corporate finance, and fintech. Major financial hubs include New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Frankfurt.

Beyond total employment, online job platforms regularly list hundreds of thousands of open finance positions at any given time, reflecting ongoing hiring demand across industries.

Projected Job Growth Through 2026

Finance remains a stable and resilient field. While some administrative functions face automation pressure, analytical, strategic, and regulatory roles are expanding.

OccupationEstimated Growth RateOutlookFinancial ManagersAbove averageStrong demand due to economic complexityFinancial & Investment AnalystsAbove averageGrowth in data-driven investingAccountants & AuditorsSteady growthConsistent demand across industriesCompliance OfficersFaster than averageIncrease in regulatory oversightFintech & Data SpecialistsRapid growthDriven by AI and digital transformation

Industries with the highest projected hiring include financial services, healthcare finance, technology companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations expanding risk and compliance teams.

Which Finance Jobs Are in Highest Demand?

1. Financial Managers

Financial managers oversee budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning. As companies grow more complex, demand for strategic financial leadership continues to increase.

2. Financial Analysts

Analysts evaluate investment opportunities, interpret financial data, and guide business decisions. Demand has expanded with the growth of data analytics and global markets.

3. Accountants and Auditors

Every organization requires accounting expertise. Tax compliance, financial reporting, and audit services ensure long-term stability and regulatory adherence.

4. Compliance and Risk Management Professionals

Stricter regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity threats have made compliance specialists essential, particularly in banking and fintech.

5. Fintech Specialists

From blockchain analysts to financial data scientists, fintech careers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in finance. These roles blend programming, analytics, and financial expertise.

How Technology Is Reshaping Finance Jobs

Automation is often viewed as a threat to finance careers. In reality, it is transforming rather than eliminating opportunities.

Routine bookkeeping and transaction processing are increasingly automated. However, technology has increased demand for:

• Financial data analysts
• AI-driven risk modelers
• Cybersecurity specialists in banking
• Digital payment and fintech developers
• Strategic financial planners

Employers are prioritizing professionals who can interpret data, advise leadership, and navigate regulatory challenges. Skills in Python, SQL, financial modeling software, and cloud platforms are becoming competitive advantages.

Salary Expectations in Finance

Compensation remains one of the biggest attractions of finance careers.

RoleMedian Annual Salary (Approx.)Financial Manager$130,000+Financial Analyst$95,000+Accountant$80,000+Compliance Officer$75,000+Personal Financial Advisor$95,000+

Salaries vary by experience, certification, and location. Major metropolitan areas such as New York and San Francisco offer higher compensation but also reflect increased cost of living.

Where Are Finance Jobs Growing Fastest?

United States

Top states for finance employment include New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. Growth is expanding in emerging business hubs such as Austin, Charlotte, and Nashville.

Global Financial Centers

London and Singapore remain global finance leaders. Toronto and Frankfurt continue expanding in banking and asset management. Remote-first fintech companies are increasingly hiring across borders.

Remote and Hybrid Roles

Remote finance jobs increased significantly after 2020. Many analyst, accounting, and advisory positions now offer hybrid or fully remote work arrangements, allowing professionals to work for firms in different cities or countries.

Corporate Finance vs Banking vs Accounting

Understanding career paths helps clarify where jobs are most available.

• Corporate Finance: Involved in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning inside companies. Offers internal mobility and stability.
• Banking and Investment: Includes commercial banking, investment banking, and asset management. Often competitive with high earning potential.
• Accounting: Focuses on reporting, auditing, and tax. Consistently strong demand and clear certification pathways.

Each path offers thousands of opportunities nationwide. Your choice should align with analytical strengths, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

Skills That Increase Employability in Finance

To tap into the millions of available finance jobs, focus on high-impact competencies:

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling
• Data analytics and visualization tools
• Knowledge of GAAP and regulatory compliance
• Risk management and forecasting
• Communication and executive presentation skills

Professional certifications significantly improve job prospects:

• CPA for accounting
• CFA for investment management
• CFP for financial planning
• FRM for risk management

How to Break Into a High-Demand Finance Role

1. Choose a specialization early. Focused career paths outperform general resumes.
2. Gain internships or entry-level exposure. Practical experience is highly valued.
3. Develop technical skills. Data literacy sets candidates apart.
4. Network strategically. Many finance roles are filled through referrals.
5. Pursue certifications strategically. Align credentials with your career direction.

Career coaches consistently report that candidates who combine technical skills, certification progress, and clear specialization advance faster and secure higher compensation.

The Bottom Line on Finance Job Availability

Finance remains one of the most stable and opportunity-rich career sectors in 2025. With millions employed and thousands of openings posted daily, job availability is strong across accounting, corporate finance, banking, and fintech. Growth is particularly promising in analytical, compliance, and technology-integrated roles.

For professionals willing to adapt, upskill, and specialize, the finance job market offers strong earning potential, global mobility, and long-term career security.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finance Job Opportunities

How many finance jobs are available in 2025?

In the U.S., more than 6.5 million people work in finance and insurance, with hundreds of thousands of openings posted online at any time. Globally, tens of millions work in finance across banking, investing, insurance, corporate finance, and fintech.

Which finance jobs are in the highest demand right now?

High-demand roles include financial managers, financial and investment analysts, accountants and auditors, compliance and risk professionals, and fintech or data specialists who work with AI and digital finance tools.

Is technology reducing or increasing finance job opportunities?

Technology is shifting finance work rather than removing it. Routine tasks are automated, but new roles in data analytics, AI-driven risk modeling, cybersecurity, and digital payments are growing quickly.

What salary can you expect in a finance career?

Median U.S. salaries are around $130,000+ for financial managers, $95,000+ for financial analysts and personal financial advisors, $80,000+ for accountants, and $75,000+ for compliance officers, with higher pay in major cities and senior roles, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Which skills and certifications help you get a finance job faster?

You boost your chances with strong Excel and financial modeling skills, data analysis tools, knowledge of GAAP and compliance, clear communication, and certifications like CPA, CFA, CFP, or FRM that match your chosen path.

Can you work remotely in finance?

Yes. Many analyst, accounting, compliance, and advisory roles now offer remote or hybrid work. You can often work for firms in other cities or countries, especially in fintech and data-focused positions.