Average Financial Manager Salary: $166,208 (2026)

The average financial manager salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $166,208 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $137,727 in El Paso, TX to $234,608 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for financial managers is $79.91 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $66.21/hour in lower-paying areas to $112.79/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for financial managers, with a median salary of $234,608 per year. This is 41% above the national average of $166,208. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level financial managers (10th percentile) typically earn around $107,882 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $166,208 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average financial manager salary of $166,208 is 181% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $240,148 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest financial manager salary at $137,727 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $96,881.

There are approximately 30,465 financial managers employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in business & finance industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting financial manager salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $96,881 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Industry — private equity, hedge funds, and investment banks pay 50–100%+ above the median, Company size and revenue — managing finances for a $1B+ company commands premium pay. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost financial manager salaries include: Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis, Proficiency in financial software — Oracle, SAP, Hyperion, Adaptive Insights, Strong understanding of GAAP, IFRS, and financial reporting standards, Capital markets knowledge including debt financing, equity raises, and hedging, Leadership and team management — financial managers supervise accounting and finance staff. Industry — private equity, hedge funds, and investment banks pay 50–100%+ above the median Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($204,126).

Financial Manager salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $166,208 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.