Career Planning Finding a Job Top Jobs Top Jobs in the Banking Industry Best Banking Career Options to Consider By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on September 19, 2022 Fact checked by David Rubin In This Article View All In This Article Banking Career Options Top 10 Banking Jobs 1. Financial Analyst 2. Personal Financial Adviser 3. Relationship Manager 4. Accountant 5. Auditor 6. Branch Manager 7. Loan Officer 8. Collector 9. Bank Teller 10. Treasurer More Banking Job Titles: A - Z List Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Photo: Yongyuan Dai / Getty Images Are you fascinated by money—not just acquiring it, but managing it and watching it grow? Whether you love balancing your checkbook or enjoy creating budgeting spreadsheets, you may have considered a job in banking to make use of your attention to detail. Key Takeaways There are a variety of careers available in the banking industry, with average salaries ranging from $36,000 to $94,000.It's possible to begin a career in banking with just a high school diploma if you choose an entry-level role such as a bank teller.Most of the top jobs in banking require at least a bachelor's degree, and some may require specialized credentials, too. Banking Career Options The best part about a career in banking is that you can ultimately choose from a wide range of banking job titles beyond the familiar bank teller or loan officer roles. Note You might give small companies the chance to grow and thrive, or help families get their finances and futures in order. Also, there’s plenty of room to move up to higher paying positions as you gain experience, especially if you’re able to further your education. Top 10 Banking Jobs Check out your options to find the best career fit based on your interests, skills, and education level. 1. Financial Analyst As a financial analyst, you help businesses or individuals make investment decisions. Typically, you need at least a bachelor's degree to get started in this field, but some employers may prefer a master's degree. You may need to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential to qualify for many financial analyst positions. Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial analysts earned a median annual salary of $81,410 in 2021. 2. Personal Financial Adviser Personal financial advisers help individuals manage their money to meet their short- and long-term goals. From planning for retirement to figuring out how to pay for college, advisers identify different options and help individuals make the most of their money, such as through special tax exemptions or incentives. Note You’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and it helps to have taken courses in finance, accounting, and economics. Salary: Per the BLS, personal financial advisers earned a median annual salary of $94,170 in 2021. 3. Relationship Manager These professionals develop and maintain customer relationships. They must have solid knowledge of the bank’s products and services and be able to convey the benefits of these offerings to potential and current clients. Typically, this job requires a bachelor’s degree, although some institutions may consider candidates with a high school diploma and experience or related coursework. Salary: Per PayScale, relationship managers in the banking industry earn an average annual salary of $86,466 in 2022. 4. Accountant One of the most well-known financial positions, accountants analyze, plan, and evaluate business expenses and income. Many accountants have a bachelor's degree only, but a master's degree is useful, too. You may also need to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, especially if you want to work for a public accounting firm. Salary: According to the BLS, accountants earned a median annual salary of $77,250 in 2021. 5. Auditor Auditors review accounting records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations and state and federal laws. Typically, auditors can get started in this field with a bachelor’s degree, although some may choose to complete a certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Salary: According to the BLS, auditors earned a median annual salary of $77,250 in 2021. 6. Branch Manager Branch managers oversee operations, including hiring and training staff. Typically, branch managers set sales goals and manage the branch’s budget. Note Successful branch managers have excellent customer service, organizational, and communication skills. To get started in this job, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree and you may need to pass series 6 or 7 exams administered by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Salary: PayScale reports that branch managers earn an average annual salary of $61,322 as of August 2022. 7. Loan Officer Loan officers help people identify and apply for loans, from mortgages to personal loans. They evaluate the candidates' job history, income, and overall creditworthiness. Loan officers typically have a background and education in finance or economics. Being a loan officer is a great career choice if you like working with people. Salary: According to the BLS, loan officers earned a median annual salary of $63,380 in 2021. 8. Collector While collectors tend to get a bad reputation, they play a pivotal role for companies. They manage accounts and keep track of bills and attempt to collect on past due invoices. Many collector positions require just a high school diploma, but a bachelor's degree is welcome. Salary: ZipRecruiter reports that collectors earn an average annual salary of $42,521 as of August 2022. 9. Bank Teller Bank tellers are usually the first person a customer sees in their banking business. Bank tellers cash checks, accept deposits, and process account withdrawals. Most bank tellers have a high school diploma but holding an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can be helpful for those bank tellers who want to move up in the ranks to become a loan officer, personal banker, or bank manager. Salary: According to the BLS, bank tellers earned a median annual salary of $36,310 in 2021. 10. Treasurer Treasurers manage an organization's finances, objectives, and goals. They maintain the organization's budget and oversee investment strategies and major expenditures. Most treasurer positions require advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D. Also, having other banking and finance credentials can be helpful. Salary: PayScale reports that treasurers earn an average annual salary of $80,668 as of August 2022. More Banking Job Titles: A - Z List A - D Agricultural LenderAnalyst, Bankruptcy SupportAnti-Money Laundering AuditorAssistant Branch ManagerAssistant Trust AdministratorAudit ManagerBank ExaminerBankruptcy/Foreclosure CoordinatorBilingual Client Services RepresentativeBusiness Banking Loan Administration ManagerBusiness Banking OfficerBusiness Intelligence ManagerClient Service ManagerCommercial Relationship Management AssistantCommon Trust Fund AccountantConsumer Credit AnalystConsumer Finance Assistant ManagerConsumer Loans ProcessorConsumer Loan UnderwriterCustody Investment SpecialistCustomer Service RepresentativeDefault Specialist E - L Escrow ManagereServices Quality AnalystHead TellerInternal AuditorInvestment Accounting AnalystInvestment Management Operations AnalystInvestment Management SpecialistInvestment PlannerJunior Analyst - Asset ManagementLead Business Consultant, Banking Innovation CenterLead Syndication SpecialistLending ManagerLoan Officer TraineeLoan RepresentativeLoan Support SpecialistLock Box ClerkLoss Recovery Manager M - Z Mortgage ConsultantMortgage Operations Support TechnicianNew Accounts BankerOnline Customer Service RepresentativeOrigination Loan OfficerPersonal BankerPhone BankerPremier BankerRegulatory Compliance AnalystRelationship Manager, Commercial LendingSenior Financial AnalystSenior Investment AnalystSenior TellerSenior Trust ConsultantTechnology Risk ManagerTrust Asset ManagerTrust AssistantWire Department Manager Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What careers are there in a bank? Entry-level banking careers include bank teller or clerk. Other careers include financial analyst, auditor, accountant, or investment banker. Once you've gained more experience, you might qualify to be a bank manager, analyst, or loan officer. Which is the best field in banking? If your goal is a good income, you might consider the best-paying jobs in banking, which are typically in management or analysis. If your aim is to get a foot in the door in this industry, you might begin with an entry-level position as a bank teller, which could lead to advancement to other roles. Do bank jobs pay well? The pay you can expect from a bank job depends on the complexity of the role and the education required. Bank tellers require less education and tend to be paid less, while roles such as accountant, analyst, auditor, or manager typically require higher education and pay much more. The best-paid jobs in banking require education, experience, and the ability to ensure compliance with complex legal requirements and government regulations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Financial Analysts.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Personal Financial Advisors.” PayScale. “Average Relationship Manager, Banking Salary.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Accountants and Auditors.” PayScale. “Average Branch Manager, Banking Salary.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Loan Officers.” ZipRecruiter. "Bank Collector Salary." Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Tellers.” PayScale. “Average Treasurer Salary.”