The best paying jobs in finance consumer services include financial advisor, investment banker, personal financial manager, wealth management advisor, and compliance officer. These positions often offer six-figure salaries, with top performers earning over $200,000 annually through commissions, bonuses, and client portfolios.
The finance consumer services industry includes personal finance, banking, wealth management, insurance, and regulatory compliance. Professionals in this space advise clients, manage investments, ensure compliance, and guide financial strategies for individuals and businesses. Salaries can exceed $150,000 depending on role, performance, and credentials.
Salary Comparison Table: Finance Consumer Services Careers
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range (USD) | Notable Duties/Description |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Banker | $162,715 (avg.) | Advises on securities, raises capital, manages investor relations. |
| Chief Compliance Officer | $154,982 (avg.) | Oversees compliance standards and policy management. |
| Chief Financial Officer | $153,638 (avg.) | Manages financial teams, budgeting, and company financial strategy. |
| Financial Manager | $153,460 (avg.) | Maintains financial health, advises on profitability. |
| Private Equity Associate | $97,432–$125,065 (avg.) | Networks with investors, conducts due diligence. |
| Financial Advisor | $58,000–$108,000 (base, avg.) | Counsels clients on investments, taxes, financial planning. |
| Loan Officer | $48,789–$121,000 (avg./base) | Evaluates loan applications, counsels borrowers. |
| Compliance Analyst | $77,456 (avg.) | Ensures regulatory compliance for organizations. |
| Wealth Manager | $80,000–$149,000 (base) | Manages high-net-worth client portfolios. |
Investment Bankers Earn the Highest Salaries in Finance Consumer Services
Investment bankers earn an average salary of $162,715, with many exceeding $200,000 in total compensation. They work with large companies and financial institutions to raise capital, manage mergers, and advise on securities. Entry-level analysts earn around $100,000, while managing directors can exceed $500,000 with bonuses and equity.
Top employers include:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
Their responsibilities include financial modeling, client presentations, and guiding IPOs or acquisitions. Investment banking remains one of the best paying jobs in finance, though hours are long and expectations are high.
Financial Advisors Build Income Through Clients and Commissions
Financial advisors offer financial planning, retirement advice, and portfolio recommendations. Salaries vary widely based on clientele, commission structure, and experience. Base pay starts near $58,000, with total compensation reaching $150,000+ for those managing large portfolios.
Advisors with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification gain trust and often command higher fees. Key duties include:
- Analyzing financial statements
- Advising clients on investment strategies
- Helping individuals manage tax, estate, and insurance planning
Many start in entry level roles at brokerage firms or banks, gaining licensing (such as Series 7 or 65) before progressing to private practice or wealth management firms.
Chief Financial Officers Lead Strategy and Operations
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) earns an average of $153,638 and ranks among the top leadership positions in finance. CFOs manage accounting, compliance, capital structure, and internal controls. They provide strategic insights based on financial analysis, budget forecasts, and operational reports.
Typical background includes:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration
- CPA or MBA credential
- 10+ years in finance, including controller or financial manager roles
CFOs drive profitability and long-term planning, reporting directly to CEOs and boards of directors.
Private Equity Associates Handle High-Stakes Investments
Private equity associates work in investment management, evaluating companies, performing due diligence, and supporting deals. The average salary ranges from $97,432 to $125,065, often rising quickly with experience or firm performance.
Their work includes:
- Building financial models
- Researching target acquisitions
- Supporting portfolio company performance reviews
These jobs typically require an elite educational background, such as an Ivy League master’s degree in finance, and prior experience in investment banking or consulting.
Compliance Officers Ensure Regulatory and Legal Integrity
Chief compliance officers average $154,982, while compliance analysts earn around $77,456. These roles ensure companies follow local, national, and international regulations. They oversee data privacy, anti-money laundering (AML), and risk assessments.
Key certifications include:
- Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
These jobs are growing in demand as financial institutions face tighter oversight and expanding data requirements.
Financial Managers Improve Profitability and Reporting
Financial managers earn an average of $153,460. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, and advise leadership on improving financial performance. They typically work in corporate finance departments, banks, or service firms.
Duties include:
- Monitoring budgets
- Reviewing financial statements
- Leading forecasting efforts
- Ensuring compliance with tax and regulatory standards
The finance consumer services industry values financial managers for their ability to align strategy with day-to-day operations.
Fintech and Advisory Roles Offer Flexibility and Growth
Wealth managers earn $80,000 to $149,000 depending on portfolio size and firm. Their role overlaps with financial advisors but focuses exclusively on high-net-worth individuals. These jobs often come with better work-life balance and may offer remote or hybrid options.
In fintech, roles such as financial software product manager or digital wealth advisor combine financial knowledge with leveraging technology. Compensation can rival that of traditional roles while offering stock incentives and modern flexibility.
The Most Popular Questions We Get Asked
These are the top 6 questions we get asked in regards to the Best Paying Jobs in Finance Consumer Services
1. What are some less-talked-about, high-paying roles in finance consumer services that require less traditional finance backgrounds?
Roles like compliance analyst and client relations specialist offer strong pay and don’t always require a finance degree. Compliance analysts earn around $77,456 and often come from legal or risk backgrounds. Client relations specialists with industry experience can exceed $70,000 in high-volume firms.
2. How does job growth in finance consumer services compare to other sectors?
The sector is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, according to labor statistics, due to globalization, economic expansion, and the complexity of tax and regulatory systems.
3. What skills are most in demand for top-paying finance consumer services jobs that aren’t strictly financial?
Soft skills like communication and customer satisfaction are vital. Employers also want tech skills, emotional intelligence, and proficiency in compliance software, CRM platforms, or financial software tools.
4. Are there high-paying finance consumer services jobs that allow for remote or flexible work arrangements?
Yes. Financial advisor, compliance analyst, and some financial manager positions increasingly support hybrid or fully remote setups, especially in fintech companies or modern financial institutions.
5. What are the entry points for a high-paying career in finance consumer services if you lack direct experience
Start in support roles like customer service representative, operations assistant, or loan officer trainee. Then pursue certifications like CFP, Series 7, or a finance-related degree to access higher-paying roles.
6. How do compensation structures differ between traditional banking and fintech roles in finance consumer services?
Traditional roles often rely on base salary plus commission. Fintech roles offer higher base pay and equity incentives. While fintech roles may involve more risk or changing responsibilities, they often lead to faster pay growth.
How to Pursue High-Paying Careers in Finance Consumer Services
The finance consumer services industry rewards expertise in personal finance, compliance, investment management, and digital transformation. Jobs in this space consistently rank among the best paying jobs due to their impact on wealth creation, legal security, and customer trust.
To increase earnings in this field:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or economics
- Gain certifications (CFP, Series 65, CRCM)
- Start in entry level positions and focus on performance metrics
- Transition into higher level positions with responsibility for portfolios, clients, or strategy
- Build relationships and trust to grow your client base
