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.
Financial Risk Specialists
SOC: 13-2054 O*NET: 13-2054.00
Median Salary
$117,330
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.5%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Financial Risk Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$64,820
10th percentile
Early Career
$83,980
25th percentile
Median
$117,330
50th percentile
Experienced
$158,250
75th percentile
Top Earners
$196,110
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$64,820
25th
$83,980
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$117,330
Mean: $124,420
75th
$158,250
90th
$196,110
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $131,290 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $83,980 and $158,250
- •Salary spread is 63.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 63,850 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:60,500
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance64.2%
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities35.2%
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only)27.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.5%
Annual Openings:4,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)60,500
Current
2034 (Projected)64,400
+6.5%
+3,900
Employment Change
+6.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Financial Risk Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
New York
12,060 jobs$136,8303.03x
California
5,740 jobs$129,1100.77x
Texas
4,780 jobs$103,7600.83x
Florida
3,770 jobs$99,9000.92x
North Carolina
3,200 jobs$132,0401.58x
Illinois
2,920 jobs$104,3001.17x
New Jersey
2,760 jobs$129,2201.57x
Pennsylvania
2,370 jobs$103,0400.95x
Georgia
2,180 jobs$100,5701.09x
Ohio
2,110 jobs$98,6500.93x
Virginia
1,770 jobs$126,5101.05x
Arizona
1,700 jobs$102,8001.28x
Massachusetts
1,440 jobs$130,4000.96x
Minnesota
1,190 jobs$105,4200.98x
Delaware
1,160 jobs$139,4405.83x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Financial Risk Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechIBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian JIRA
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechApache Hive
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Tableau
Atlassian JIRA
Salesforce software
Apache Hive
Teradata Database
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Microsoft Access
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (7)General Responsibilities (9)Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (3)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Analyze areas of potential risk to the assets, earning capacity, or success of organizations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Analyze new legislation to determine impact on risk exposure.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Conduct statistical analyses to quantify risk, using statistical analysis software or econometric models.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Confer with traders to identify and communicate risks associated with specific trading strategies or positions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination91% perform94%
5
Consult financial literature to ensure use of the latest models or statistical techniques.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Contribute to development of risk management systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Determine potential environmental impacts of new products or processes on long-term growth and profitability.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop contingency plans to deal with emergencies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Develop or implement risk-assessment models or methodologies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Devise scenario analyses reflecting possible severe market events.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Financial Risk Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Financial Risk Specialists professionals typically have a CIE Holland code
CConventional
IInvestigative
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Financial Risk Specialists
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Financial Risk Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Financial Risk Specialists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.3k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.6k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.9k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.9k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
1.4k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.1k program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
974 program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
844 program completions/year
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