Financial Quantitative Analysts

Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.

SOC: 13-2099.01

Common Job Titles

Investment StrategistPortfolio ManagerQuantitative AnalystQuantitative Equity Analyst

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeCreate mathematical and statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, and pricing of financial instruments using advanced quantitative techniques in securities and equities investing environments.
  • KnowledgeDevelop algorithmic trading systems and automated valuation frameworks using Python, R, C++, and SQL within cloud-based computing environments.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize economic theory, market microstructure knowledge, and computational methods to design innovative financial products and pricing strategies.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex financial data sets and market information using statistical software and programming tools to identify patterns and trends.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate quantitative models and trading strategies against market conditions and regulatory compliance standards, independently determining optimal investment approaches.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex quantitative analysis results and model outputs for investment decision-makers and non-technical stakeholders, translating technical findings into actionable insights.
  • KnowledgeAssess portfolio risk exposures and hedging strategies using stochastic calculus and Monte Carlo simulation techniques under time-sensitive market conditions.
  • KnowledgeApply machine learning algorithms and statistical inference methods to predict financial market behavior and optimize investment portfolios.
  • MindsetIntegrate ethical considerations and fiduciary responsibilities with quantitative investment strategies when advising clients and developing trading algorithms that impact market integrity.
  • Hands-onOperate specialized financial analytics platforms and data visualization tools including Bloomberg Professional, MATLAB, Tableau, and business intelligence software for real-time market analysis.
  • MindsetEngage with cross-functional teams including traders, portfolio managers, and risk officers to communicate model assumptions, limitations, and recommendations effectively.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Financial Quantitative Analysts (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

127,450

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$46,420
10% of workers earn the following or more$151,780
Workers on average earn$93,890

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mathematics4.6/5
  • Economics and Accounting4.2/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.7/5
  • English Language3.0/5
  • Engineering and Technology2.7/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Amazon Web Services AWS softwareApache HiveC#C++IBM SPSS StatisticsJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Power BIMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft Visual StudioOracle JavaPerlPythonRSASStructured query language SQLTableauThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Technology Skills

Bloomberg ProfessionalIBM Cognos Business IntelligenceInsightful S-PLUSMicroStrategyMicroStrategy DesktopOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneStataCorp StataWeb browser software

Tools & Equipment

Computer data input scannersDesktop computersLaptop computersMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipment