Accountant vs. Financial Analyst vs. Personal Financial Advisor
Business and finance careers often considered by the same students.
Short answer: Personal financial advisors have the highest national median wage of the group at $105,070 (May 2025). Financial and investment analysts are projected to grow fastest, +7.2% from 2025 to 2035. Accountants and auditors typically enter with bachelor's degree; Financial and investment analysts typically enter with bachelor's degree; Personal financial advisors typically enter with bachelor's degree.
| Measure | Accountants and auditors | Financial and investment analysts | Personal financial advisors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage (May 2025) | $83,680 | $102,740 | $105,070 |
| 10th percentile wage | $56,020 | $63,720 | $50,190 |
| 90th percentile wage | $144,090 | $180,860 | $357,020 |
| Employment (May 2025) | 1,449,500 | 361,980 | 266,800 |
| Projected change, 2025 to 2035 | +5.0% | +7.2% | +1.4% |
| Openings per year | 115,300 | 24,700 | 17,100 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Related work experience | None | None | None |
| On-the-job training | None | None | Long-term on-the-job training |
| O*NET Job Zone (1 to 5) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Self-employed share | 5.5% | 2.2% | 9.7% |
| Top skills | Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Critical Thinking | Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing | |
| Licenses and certifications in our library | CMA, CPA, ENROLLED-AGENT | CFA | CFA, CFP |
Wages Verified data describe all workers in each occupation, not starting pay. Growth and openings are Official projection. Highlighted cells mark the highest median wage and fastest projected growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, National. May 2025 reference period. Published April 30, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026. Methodology.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, Table 1.2: Occupational projections, 2025-35, and worker characteristics, 2025. Base year 2025, projected year 2035. Published August 27, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026. Methodology.
Source: National Center for O*NET Development for USDOL/ETA, O*NET 31.0 Database (August 2026 release). Database release 31.0, August 2026; element dates vary by occupation. Published August 25, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026. Methodology.