Investment Fund Managers
Investment fund managers oversee large pools of money from institutional and individual investors, making strategic decisions about where to invest those assets. They work at investment firms, banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions, analyzing markets and managing portfolios to meet financial goals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against investment fund managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An investment fund manager might spend mornings reviewing market data and economic reports that could affect holdings. They meet with analysts to discuss potential investments or portfolio adjustments, monitor current positions throughout the day, and communicate with investors about fund performance. Afternoons often include strategy sessions on risk management or meetings with company leadership and other fund managers to evaluate emerging opportunities.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving complex problems, making data-driven decisions, and building systematic approaches to achieving goals—that's the conventional side. You're also drawn to leadership roles, competition, and turning vision into results through influence and strategic thinking—the enterprising pull.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $166,410 | $219,880 | $328,210 | 80,810 |
| Massachusetts | $161,870 | $206,760 | $287,520 | 26,150 |
| New Jersey | $162,800 | $199,110 | $279,330 | 32,510 |
| District of Columbia | $161,470 | $188,880 | $231,000 | 8,930 |
| Virginia | $146,320 | $185,220 | $224,130 | 20,850 |
| Colorado | $149,120 | $182,690 | $238,380 | 10,640 |
| Delaware | $156,330 | $181,580 | $226,040 | 2,810 |
| California | $136,030 | $180,770 | $269,990 | 93,310 |
| Washington | $138,450 | $174,840 | $222,240 | 12,930 |
| Connecticut | $135,540 | $174,830 | $233,210 | 20,040 |
| Rhode Island | $131,000 | $166,940 | $218,390 | 2,570 |
| Georgia | $126,560 | $166,790 | $215,910 | 21,390 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) — Investments and Wealth Institute
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I (CAIA) — CAIA Association
- Certified Credit Union Investments Professional (CCUIP) — Credit Union National Association
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level II — CAIA Association
- Certified Funds Specialist (CFS) — Institute of Business & Finance
- Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement - Level I (CIPM) — CFA Institute
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 investment fund managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3031.03 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.