What Financial Risk Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Financial Risk Specialists this way: "Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk."
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Financial Risk Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 66,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 70,800 in 2035, an increase of 4,800 jobs (+7.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $117,330, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Financial Risk Specialists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $136,778 in New York to $138,041 in New Jersey, a gap of $1,263 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $117,330 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,310, which is 52.6% of the 29,130 counted across them. New York follows with 13,820.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($138,041) and New York ($136,778) lead the ranking, while New York ($136,778) and New Jersey ($138,041) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Financial Risk Specialists
Personal Financial Advisors and Financial and Investment Analysts belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-2000) include Financial Examiners, Accountants and Auditors, Loan Officers and Tax Preparers.
Frequently asked questions about Financial Risk Specialists
What is the national median wage for Financial Risk Specialists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $117,330. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $136,778 to $138,041.
Which state pays Financial Risk Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $138,041. New York is next at $136,778.
What is the job outlook for Financial Risk Specialists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,800 openings a year.
What education do Financial Risk Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.