Financial Quantitative Analysts
Financial quantitative analysts develop mathematical and statistical models to guide investment decisions, manage risk, and price financial instruments. They work primarily at investment banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, and other financial institutions, applying advanced techniques to analyze securities, equities, and complex derivatives.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial quantitative analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves building and testing statistical models, analyzing market data, and collaborating with traders and portfolio managers. Quantitative analysts spend time writing code, running simulations, documenting assumptions, and presenting findings. Work includes debugging models, reviewing model performance against actual market outcomes, and revising approaches based on new data or business requirements.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICE. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy systematic problem-solving and working with data and rules. You're detail-oriented and comfortable with ambiguity, preferring to investigate questions through analysis rather than assumption. You work well in structured environments but are motivated by the technical challenge of modeling uncertainty and risk.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $100,720 | $125,110 | $153,550 | 2,460 |
| Maine | $77,440 | $109,060 | $109,060 | 1,250 |
| New York | $76,140 | $107,490 | $174,950 | 9,750 |
| Maryland | $66,060 | $101,400 | $132,620 | 3,790 |
| Massachusetts | $79,020 | $99,970 | $126,730 | — |
| New Jersey | $76,770 | $98,630 | $124,660 | 5,510 |
| Virginia | $67,850 | $92,930 | $124,590 | 5,070 |
| Indiana | $72,670 | $92,410 | $113,300 | 1,930 |
| Ohio | $68,570 | $90,060 | $113,160 | 4,170 |
| Colorado | $69,260 | $87,430 | $115,270 | 4,030 |
| Alabama | $63,770 | $87,110 | $112,260 | 530 |
| South Dakota | $71,280 | $86,260 | $96,100 | 90 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) — The International Federation of Technical Analysts Inc.
- Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) — The International Federation of Technical Analysts Inc.
- Certified Insurance Fraud Analyst (CIFA) — International Association of Special Investigation Units
- Oracle Hyperion Financial Management 11 Essentials — Oracle Corporation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial quantitative analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2099.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.