The banking sector offers a multitude of career paths with excellent earning potential. For individuals seeking financial security and stability, major banks present a wealth of opportunities. This article explores 10+ of the highest-paying jobs in major banks for 2024, along with entry-level options and tips for landing a coveted position.
Top Earners in The Banking Industry
While titles may vary across institutions, several roles consistently rank among the most lucrative in major banks. These positions often require a bachelor’s degree, relevant experience, and potentially specialized certifications.
- Loan Officer (Average Salary: $84,160): Loan officers play a pivotal role in retail and commercial banking, assisting clients in securing loans. They guide clients through the application process, analyze creditworthiness, and recommend loan options.
Success often hinges on strong communication and analytical skills. While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, some employers may consider candidates with a high school diploma and demonstrably relevant experience. - Accountant or Auditor (Average Salary: $86,740): Accountants and auditors are the guardians of financial accuracy within banks. Accountants meticulously record and analyze financial data, ensuring its integrity. They may also contribute to financial planning and budgeting alongside other finance professionals.
Auditors, on the other hand, verify financial records and transactions, upholding transparency and regulatory compliance. For both roles, a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is typically required. For some auditors, especially those working externally for accounting firms, advanced degrees may be sought after. - Financial Examiner (Average Salary: $95,610): Financial examiners act as watchdogs, ensuring banks adhere to local, state, and federal regulations. They meticulously review transaction records, collaborate with financial managers and legal teams, and identify potential areas of non-compliance.
A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement, with advanced degrees and legal expertise enhancing marketability - Investment Products Salesperson (Average Salary: $100,740): Investment product salespeople guide clients through financial product options, including stocks, bonds, and commodities. They analyze market conditions, suggest investment strategies, and execute trades on behalf of clients.
- Some resemble stockbrokers, managing individual portfolios, while others fulfill a role closer to portfolio managers, overseeing investments for companies. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, along with a securities license from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Financial Analyst (Average Salary: $108,790): Financial analysts leverage their expertise in economics, data analysis, and business practices to optimize profits and refine processes for banks and their clients. This umbrella term encompasses various specializations, some of which rank among the highest-paid careers in finance.
Financial analysts in major banks may hold titles such as investment banker, quantitative analyst, private equity analyst, risk analyst, or credit analyst. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification, with advanced degrees being commonplace for career advancement and specialization.
Beyond Finance: Tech-Savvy Roles in Banking
The digital age has transformed banking, creating a demand for skilled software developers.
7. Software Developers (Average Salary: $132,930): The rise of online banking necessitates talented software engineers and developers to design secure and user-friendly web and mobile applications. Software developers in banks are also responsible for safeguarding sensitive data and preventing security breaches.
While a bachelor’s degree may be preferred by some institutions, it’s possible to enter the field by demonstrating the requisite technical skills. These skills can be acquired through college programs, self-study courses, or software engineering and coding boot camps.
Guiding Clients: Financial Advisors and Sales Managers
Financial advisors and sales managers provide crucial guidance to clients and oversee revenue generation.
8. Financial Advisor (Average Salary: $137,740): Tailoring financial strategies to individual needs, financial advisors work with a diverse clientele, ranging from families to high-net-worth individuals and corporations.
They assist clients in achieving financial goals such as retirement planning or college fund creation.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, with certifications like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the CFP Board enhancing marketability and client trust.
9. Sales Manager (Average Salary: $150,530): Sales managers lead teams in exceeding revenue targets for financial products and services like credit cards, banking accounts, and investment management. They foster client relationships, particularly with high-net-worth individuals and institutions, while ensuring their teams consistently meet sales goals.