Occupational Outlook for Finance Program Graduates
According to the , employment for personal financial advisors—a common entry-level role for finance graduates—is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, significantly outpacing the average growth rate of 3% for all occupations.
Another popular career path is , with projected growth of 6% over the same period—twice the national average.
Salary Expectations
Finance graduates entering these fields can expect competitive compensation:
- earned a median annual salary of $102,140 in 2024. Entry-level advisors typically start between $45,000 and $60,000, with earnings increasing significantly with experience and certifications.
- had a median annual salary of $87,930 in 2024
Regional Employment Trends
In Pennsylvania and surrounding states, finance-related employment is showing strong momentum:
- outpaced the national average over the past year, with a 1.4% increase compared to 1.1% nationally.
- added over 28,000 jobs in education and health services, which includes financial services roles.
- Erie’s financial sector benefits from a mix of traditional banking, investment services, and retirement planning, offering diverse opportunities for graduates. The School of Business is proud to call one of its industry partners. Equitable Advisors has offered several Professional Academy opportunities for students in the School of Business and has hired several graduates of our finance and business programs.