Salary · Finance & Accounting
CFA Level II (CFA Institute) salary: what it pays (2026)
Indicative pay ranges for roles that commonly value CFA Level II - broken down by role and by market. These are orientation figures, not a salary survey, so use them to compare and plan, then verify for your own city and year.
Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice.
What CFA Level II tends to pay
Pay is tied to the broader CFA progression and the finance role you hold, not Level II on its own. Passing Level II signals progress toward the charter and supports analyst-track roles; compensation rises with the role (analyst to portfolio manager), the firm and seniority. These are indicative US ranges and the certification is one factor among many.
Pay by role (indicative)
| Financial Analyst | ~$85k-135k |
|---|---|
| Investment / Equity Research Analyst | ~$90k-150k |
| Investment Banking Analyst | ~$100k-180k |
| Wealth / Private Client Manager | ~$90k-170k |
| Portfolio Manager (charterholder) | ~$130k-230k+ |
Bands are indicative US figures unless stated. Actual pay depends on experience, employer, city and year.
Other markets (indicative)
| United States | ~$80k-150k (candidate-stage analyst roles) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ~£45k-90k (candidate-stage analyst roles) |
| Hong Kong | ~HK$500k-900k (candidate-stage analyst roles) |
| Singapore | ~S$70k-150k (candidate-stage analyst roles) |
Jobs that often ask for it
- Investment / Equity Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Asset Management roles
- Portfolio Manager (with charter)
Weigh the pay against the cost
Salary is only half the picture. Before you commit, check what CFA Level II actually costs to sit and maintain, and where it can take you over a career.
- See the full fee breakdown in the CFA Level II cost and overview (exam fee, retake, materials and renewal).
- Estimate your total spend, including a possible retake, with our exam cost calculator.