Best Entry-Level Jobs in Finance 2025: Your Pathway to a Successful Career
The finance industry in the United States remains one of the most rewarding sectors in 2025, offering not only attractive salaries but also clear pathways for growth. For fresh graduates or career switchers, the good news is that many entry-level roles provide the perfect opportunity to break into the field—even without years of experience. Here’s a look at the best entry-level finance jobs to consider in 2025.
1. Financial Analyst
Average Salary: $65,000–$80,000
Why It’s Great: This is one of the most common starting roles in finance. Financial analysts work in corporations, banks, and investment firms, analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and helping businesses make informed decisions. It builds a strong foundation for careers in investment banking, portfolio management, or corporate finance.
Qualifications: A degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Excel and Power BI skills are a plus.
2. Credit Analyst
Average Salary: $60,000–$75,000
Role Overview: Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans. They analyze credit data, financial statements, and market trends to evaluate risk.
Why It’s Good for Starters: It introduces you to core principles of lending, risk management, and financial statement analysis—valuable skills in any finance role.
3. Junior Accountant / Staff Accountant
Average Salary: $55,000–$70,000
Job Scope: Junior accountants work on bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, handling tax filings, and assisting in audits. It’s a great entry point for those aiming to become CPAs or financial controllers.
Ideal For: Finance and accounting graduates who are detail-oriented and comfortable with numbers.
4. Investment Banking Analyst (Entry Level)
Average Salary: $100,000+ (including bonuses)
Why It’s Top Tier: If you’re ambitious and ready for long hours, this role can open doors to high-level finance positions in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate finance, and private equity.
Requirements: A top-tier finance degree, strong networking skills, and internship experience are usually essential.
5. Financial Planner Assistant
Average Salary: $50,000–$65,000
Job Role: These professionals help certified financial planners (CFPs) by preparing client reports, researching investment options, and managing portfolios. It’s a great start if you’re interested in personal finance or wealth management.
Career Growth: With certifications like CFP, you can move into advisory roles and manage your own client base.
6. Risk Management Assistant
Average Salary: $60,000–$70,000
Why It’s Important: In today’s volatile global market, risk management is a growing field. Entry-level roles involve supporting risk teams in analyzing operational, financial, or market risks.
Best Suited For: Those with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
7. Budget Analyst
Average Salary: $60,000–$72,000
Job Description: Budget analysts work with organizations to plan spending, allocate funds, and ensure financial efficiency. This is ideal for those who enjoy planning and forecasting.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the finance industry continues to evolve with the integration of technology and data. This means new graduates and early-career professionals have more diverse roles to explore. From traditional positions like financial analyst to newer roles in fintech and risk, entry-level jobs in finance offer stability, learning, and long-term potential.
The key is to develop strong analytical skills, stay updated with industry tools (Excel, Python, or financial software), and build professional connections. With the right approach, an entry-level finance job can be the first step to a successful and lucrative career.