How Much Does a Portfolio Manager Make? (2025)
A portfolio manager is responsible for managing investment portfolios for clients, with skills in finance, analysis, and interpreting market trends and economics.
Portfolio managers are in demand, with over 500 job openings in the United States for this position. According to Salary.com, portfolio managers in the United States earn an average salary of $114,820 per year, or $55 per hour.
Continue reading this guide to learn about portfolio manager salary expectations, top-paying cities, and common questions about the role.
What is the Portfolio Manager's Salary
As of October 01, 2025, the average portfolio manager salary in the United States is $114,820 per year or $55 per hour. The salary range for portfolio managers is between $92,028 and $141,624, with most earnings of $102,890 to $128,850 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Portfolio Managers: $114,820 per year ($55 per hour)
A portfolio manager reported an average monthly salary of $9,568, while the average weekly pay is $2,208. Moreover, the average portfolio manager salary per hour is $55, according to the recent Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44 | $1,770 | $7,669 | $92,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $49 | $1,979 | $8,574 | $102,890 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $55 | $2,208 | $9,568 | $114,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $62 | $2,478 | $10,738 | $128,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $68 | $2,723 | $11,802 | $141,624 |
Aside from the base pay, portfolio managers receive additional earnings like bonus money. The average total compensation in the United States is $189,894 per year.
Portfolio Manager Average Salaries State by State
Portfolio manager salaries differ across U.S. states due to factors such as job demand, location, cost of living, and local wage standards.
The table below shows the states with the highest average pay for portfolio managers: the District of Columbia ($127,130), California ($126,650), and Massachusetts ($124,960).
On the other hand, the states with the lowest average salaries include Mississippi ($102,400), West Virginia ($103,400), and Arkansas ($103,730).
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $124,290 |
| Alabama | $105,490 |
| Arkansas | $103,730 |
| Arizona | $111,880 |
| California | $126,650 |
| Colorado | $117,150 |
| Connecticut | $122,710 |
| District of Columbia | $127,130 |
| Delaware | $116,280 |
| Florida | $108,640 |
| Georgia | $110,740 |
| Hawaii | $120,010 |
| Iowa | $109,880 |
| Idaho | $107,180 |
| Illinois | $117,040 |
| Indiana | $110,220 |
| Kansas | $109,330 |
| Kentucky | $108,050 |
| Louisiana | $109,170 |
| Massachusetts | $124,960 |
| Maryland | $118,390 |
| Maine | $111,950 |
| Michigan | $113,070 |
| Minnesota | $117,500 |
| Missouri | $109,090 |
| Mississippi | $102,400 |
| Montana | $108,400 |
| North Carolina | $109,110 |
| North Dakota | $113,420 |
| Nebraska | $108,170 |
| New Hampshire | $116,080 |
| New Jersey | $124,450 |
| New Mexico | $106,350 |
| Nevada | $113,640 |
| New York | $122,060 |
| Ohio | $111,800 |
| Oklahoma | $106,160 |
| Oregon | $116,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $114,300 |
| Rhode Island | $119,050 |
| South Carolina | $107,590 |
| South Dakota | $104,350 |
| Tennessee | $107,300 |
| Texas | $112,000 |
| Utah | $109,950 |
| Virginia | $115,620 |
| Vermont | $112,700 |
| Washington | $124,500 |
| Wisconsin | $112,950 |
| West Virginia | $103,400 |
| Wyoming | $110,110 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Portfolio Manager?
Portfolio manager salaries also vary by city, influenced by the cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas.
For example, cities in California such as San Jose and San Francisco offer higher average salaries for portfolio managers, at $144,820 and $143,400, respectively.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $144,820 |
| San Francisco, CA | $143,400 |
| Oakland, CA | $140,220 |
| New York, NY | $133,060 |
| Queens Village, NY | $132,200 |
| Paramus, NJ | $131,280 |
How Does Experience Affect Portfolio Manager Salaries?
Portfolio manager salaries grow with experience. Salary.com reports that entry-level managers earn about $110,385 per year, while those with over 8 years of experience average $118,400 per year. Salaries can increase faster with time and expertise in the finance industry.
| Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Portfolio Manager | $110,385 |
| Intermediate Level Portfolio Manager | $110,916 |
| Senior Level Portfolio Manager | $112,686 |
| Specialist Level Portfolio Manager | $114,810 |
| Expert Level Portfolio Manager | $118,400 |
How to Increase Salary as a Portfolio Manager?
According to Salary.com, most portfolio managers in the United States need a bachelor's degree and 2 to 4 years of experience to enter the field. Their salary can rise with more experience, advanced skills, or leadership roles.
Portfolio Manager Advancements
- Build a strong portfolio: Employers value experience in managing successful investment portfolios for clients. A salary for a portfolio manager can grow with a line of proven results, adding credibility and leading to higher pay and more opportunities.
- Promotion: Portfolio managers can move up to roles such as senior manager, head of portfolio management, or other advanced positions, which offer higher pay and greater leadership duties over portfolio manager employees.
- Specialization: Expertise in areas like finance focused on specific assets or risk management can boost demand and pay. Certification in relevant areas also supports career growth for individuals.
- Education: A bachelor's degree is often required, but a master's in business or related fields can open doors to higher roles and greater pay.
Portfolio Manager Skills
Portfolio managers with specialized skills can significantly enhance their earning potential. Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows, that advanced expertise in financial markets and investment analysis areas can lead to higher pay, especially for portfolio managers working in competitive finance environments.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Markets | 10.50% | +9.82% |
| Investment Analysis | 10.30% | +9.10% |
| Investment Risk Management (IRM) Laws and Regulations | 10.80% | +9.03% |
| Investment Credit Risk | 10.60% | +9.03% |
| Financial Risk Mitigation | 10.50% | +9.03% |
| Secondary Market Analysis | 10.40% | +9.03% |
What are the FAQs About Portfolio Manager Salaries?
Here are some common questions about portfolio manager salary:
How much do portfolio managers make?
As of October 01, 2025, portfolio managers in the United States earn an average of about $114,820 per year, or $55 per hour, with most earning between $102,890 and $128,850.
Are portfolio managers still in demand?
Yes, portfolio managers are still in demand, with over 500 job openings listed on Salary.com.
Is portfolio manager a good career?
Yes, being a portfolio manager is a good career, especially with the highest paying opportunities in finance. In the United States, they earn an average of $114,820 per year, or $55 per hour.
What degree do you need to be a portfolio manager?
Portfolio managers typically need a bachelor's degree, and Salary.com reports that 2 to 4 years of experience are required to become one, with many holding master's degrees.
