Banking is a popular industry for employees to enter into, with many jobs in a variety of professions. This is one of the best industries to work in if you’re looking for a career change or are new to the workforce.

If you want to find a job in major banking, start your search on ZipRecruiter! It’s free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with just one click.

What Is The Major Banking Industry?

Banking comprises the finance and banking sector. It includes activities such as providing loans, investing in companies, and issuing banknotes.

• Personal banking
• Commercial banking
• Investments
• Financial planning
• Financial management and analysis

Banking jobs come in many different varieties, and they require a variety of skills and education. Some jobs require an advanced degree while others are entry-level positions that are perfect for people without any college or vocational training experience.

What Are The Requirements And Skills To Work In Major Banking?

To be successful in banking, you will need to have a strong understanding of the industry and its requirements. There are many different types of banks, with different skills and requirements needed for each position. It is important to research which bank is right for you before applying.

In general, it would be good to have these skills:

• Excellent communication:

  Banking is a profession that requires strong communication skills in order to work alongside peers and one-on-one with customers.

• Problem-solving: 

  Problem solving is a critical skill for many banking careers, as it can be needed in recommending appropriate products to customers, creating performance plans, and more.

• Detail-oriented:

  In the banking industry, accuracy and attention to detail are important.

Banking careers offer a wide range of pay, from around $36,000/year up to six figures. This depends on the job you choose. You’ll enjoy the perks of working in banking like great benefits and a chance to work with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

• Working a daytime 9-to-5 schedule (with Sundays off, many times)
• Time off during major banking holidays
• Benefits-driven career including competitive pay, health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement benefits
• Career advancement opportunities

42 Of Best Paying Jobs In Major Banks

1. Internal Auditor

Median National Salary: $77,250/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 1,392,200 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 7%

Job Duties: 

Auditors review the banking records of a financial institution to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations. This is an accounting specialist who does careful recordkeeping to ensure accuracy and compliance with governing laws and standards.

Bank auditors typically have a degree in finance or banking, and may be certified by the relevant professional organization. Certification can enhance your resume and help set you apart from other candidates.

This job is a good fit for people who enjoy data analysis and review. You’re detail-oriented and well-organized, which will be beneficial in auditing. The opportunity to transition into other careers in the future is an added bonus.

Auditors are responsible for ensuring that banks comply with federal regulations and following the rules. These professionals check banking records to ensure accuracy, keep accurate records, and follow prescribed procedures.

2. Financial Analyst

Median National Salary: $81,410/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 492,100 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 6%

Job Duties: 

Financial analysts are responsible for reviewing and analyzing financial data in order to recommend financial decisions.

Financial analysts review stock performance, gather and organize financial data, do financial forecasting and financial modeling and presentations.

Requirements for the accounting position include a degree in finance, accounting, or statistics. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.

Financial analysts who work in the field require substantial knowledge and experience, which often leads to long hours. They can receive high salaries, depending on their skills and experience.

3. Financial Examiner

Median National Salary: $81,410/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 70,800 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 18%

Job Duties: 

Financial examiners are responsible for reviewing financial documents to ensure regulatory compliance. This job requires a lot of scrutiny and analysis of bank transactions, so you may need to travel to the banks where the examinations will be taking place.

Banking careers can be lucrative, with many requiring degrees and years of experience in the field. You’ll need to be able to sift through large amounts of data and reports with a critical eye for spotting errors, which can come in handy if you want a career in finance. This is a complex job with potential for high earnings, which may appeal to individuals who are interested in working within the financial industry.

The job duties of a financial examiner include:

• Examining financial documents
• Regulatory compliance
• Ensuring the institution is in top financial health

4. Loan Officer

Median National Salary: $63,380/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 322,200 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 1%

Job Duties:

Loan officers work with customers to accept and review loan applications. They can work with a variety of loan products, like personal loans, home mortgage loans, and other consumer and commercial lending products. Loan officers can also specialize in a specific product area like mortgage loans.

You will work one-on-one with customers to uncover their needs, referring appropriate banking products to them. This is a sales-driven position, so if you like working in competition and being persuasive, this may be the job for you.

There are many ways to make a lot of money as a loan officer, based on your performance.

The job duties of a loan officer include:

• Interviewing bank customers to recommend the correct loan product to them
• Help customers complete the loan application
• Review the loan application and evaluate it for approval

5. Securities and Commodities Agent

Median National Salary: $62,910/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 466,300 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 4%

Job Duties: 

A securities and commodities agent is someone who facilitates the buying and selling of stocks, bonds, or commodities in the financial markets.

As a stockbroker, you will work with individual customers in a competitive environment. You will need to have knowledge about the securities markets, as you may work in different markets like stocks, debt, derivatives, foreign exchange.

Some stock brokers act as financial planners and wealth managers, helping their clients achieve their financial goals.

This is a position that could lead to a very high income.

The job duties of a securities and commodities agent include:

• Trading stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and commodities like gold
• Offer advice and help clients buy or sell securities or commodities
• Review and analyze financial markets

6. Bank Teller

Median National Salary: $36,310/year

Education Required: High school diploma

Number of Jobs: 432,500 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: –17%

Job Duties: 

A bank teller is a person who assists customers with their banking needs, such as cashing checks, depositing and withdrawing money, transferring funds and wire transfers, issuing money orders and cashier’s checks.

Having good communication skills and being able to provide great customer service is a requirement for this job. You may be asked to cross-sell or refer banking products to new or existing customers, so it’s important that you know what the bank offers.

You will primarily be performing routine bank transactions for customers during the day, and you will have the benefit of having a regular work schedule with banking holidays off.

Bank tellers are responsible for performing a variety of routine banking services to help customers with their financial activities. These services can include transferring funds, depositing and withdrawing funds, and issuing cashier’s checks.

7. Financial Manager

Median National Salary: $131,710/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 681,700 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 17%

Job Duties:

You are responsible for reviewing financial data and developing long-term financial plans for an organization. You also play a major role in the organization’s overall financial health.

A financial manager’s job duties include overseeing the profitability and cash flow of a company, preparing financial data analyses, managing expenses, and planning for long-term financial stability.

8. Chief Financial Officer

Median National Salary: $98,980/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 2,704,000 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 8%

Job Duties: 

CFOs generally carry a high leadership role in organizations, ranking just below the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Though having experience in the banking industry can be helpful, being a CFO is not limited to those with this experience. In fact, many successful CFOs have backgrounds and skills in upper leadership positions, such as former CEOs or financial directors of large companies.

CFOs are responsible for managing an organization’s financial planning and cash flow activities. They oversee the organization’s ability to meet its financial obligations, including paying bills on time and borrowing money when necessary. CFOs also work with other departments in an effort to improve the overall financial performance of their company.

The job duties of a chief financial officer include:

• Managing the organization’s cash flow
• Overseeing and managing financial planning
• Creating, executing, and managing the company’s strategic financial direction

9. Budget Analyst

Median National Salary: $79,940/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 52,500 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 5%

Job Duties:

A budget analyst reviews and analyzes budgets to ensure they are within appropriate parameters. This is an important job as it affects how the company spends its money. Organizations allocate a budget for different activities like marketing, organization, planning, etc. They mustn’t get overextended on the budget and this is where the analyst comes in.

 

This is a good fit for someone who has a strong background in finance and time management. You will be working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Having skills like time management, organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

A budget analyst is responsible for financial planning, analysis and reporting of budgets. They work to ensure that government expenditures are in line with available resources.

10. Branch Manager

Median National Salary: $64,143/year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Number of Jobs: 681,700 in 2020

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 17%

Job Duties: 

Branch managers are responsible for leading the operations and activities of their bank branch, including staffing, onboarding, and training new team members. They also set goals and manage sales performance.

Branch managers typically have a background in banking. They may have started out working as bank tellers or personal bankers before moving into this leadership position.

The job duties of a branch manager include:

• Managing branch employees
• Oversee approvals of financial products like loans and lines of credit
• Staffing, training, and onboarding new employees

11. Relationship Manager in Business Banking

Average salary: 

Relationship managers in business banking typically earn a median salary of $107,186 annually.

‍What this position entails: 

A relationship manager is responsible for managing relationships with business banking clients. This person works with commercial banks to provide products and services that help businesses run smoothly.

12. Credit Analyst

Average salary: 

As of May 2021, the median salary for a credit analyst is $88,030.

‍What this position entails: 

Credit analysts use their skills to assess the creditworthiness of an applicant in order to make informed lending decisions. This includes assessing various risk factors and making a judgment about the borrower’s ability to repay a loan.

‍Education and experience requirements: 

A financial analyst is typically a person with a Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field and additional certifications, experience, and training. They work with clients to help them make informed financial decisions.

13. Wealth Manager

Average salary:

As of July 22, 2018, the average salary for a wealth manager is $83,657. This figure has remained relatively unchanged since last year and is likely due to the strong economy and continued demand for these services.

‍What this position entails: 

Wealth managers may provide support to clients by guiding investment decisions, providing financial planning support, and other activities to help build wealth.

‍Education and experience requirements: 

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and two to four years of relevant experience for a minimum.

14. Compliance Manager

Average salary: 

The average salary for a compliance manager at a major bank is $82,872 as of July 2022, according to Salary.com.

‍What this position entails: 

A compliance officer at a major bank oversees activities to make sure that the institution is in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. This may involve reviewing questionable and suspicious transactions, as well as investigating potential cases of money laundering or fraud. If necessary, the officer may take additional steps to alert authorities and ensure continued compliance.

15. Investment Banker

Average salary:

The median salary for an investment banker is $79,786 annually, according to Salary.com.

‍What this position entails:  Investment bankers are responsible for helping clients access capital and perform financial transactions. They often work with different clients, such as governments and businesses.

‍Education and experience requirements: 

To be considered for this position, you will need a Bachelor’s degree. However, if you have relevant experience, we may be able to consider your candidacy.

16. Bank Manager

Average salary:

The average salary for a bank manager is $59,654 as of July 2022, according to Salary.com.

‍What this position entails: 

A bank manager oversees the activities of employees, including how they train their teams, carry out plans and campaigns, review transactions and oversee financial reports.

17. Options Trader

An options trader is responsible for buying and selling stock options for their clients. They use complex models to determine the best price to purchase an option, in order to make the most money while minimizing risk.

You create reports and models that outline financial positions for your clients with the aim of increasing their portfolio’s value. Many options traders gain job experience working at an investment bank or large commercial bank, and often have qualifications like a bachelor’s degree in economics or math.

18. Stock Broker

A stock broker is a professional who helps people buy and sell stocks and securities. They work with a brokerage firm or broker-dealer to help navigate the stock market. It is the stock broker’s job to act as an intermediary between two or more parties, arranging transactions between buyers and sellers. Stock brokers have to be excellent negotiators and communicators in order to succeed in this field.

19. Mortgage Branch Manager

A mortgage branch manager oversees the daily operations of a mortgage provider location. Your duties and responsibilities in this job include training new sales associates, developing marketing and sales goals, and supervising the administration of the department.

You provide services related to real estate loans, such as refinancing mortgages and providing first-time homebuyers with loan options. You work closely with other managers at the bank to ensure that the operations in your department align with the goals and priorities of the organization as a whole.

20. Commercial Banker

Commercial bankers are responsible for marketing the bank to attract new business, as well as maintaining strong relationships with current clients.

Commercial bankers are responsible for managing a wide range of financial transactions, including investing business profits and facilitating loans and financing.

21. Natural Gas Trader

A commodities trader buys and sells natural gas products on various stock and commodities exchanges. This can include working independently as a commodity broker, or with a financial institution trading natural gas stocks, funds, or futures.

You are responsible for meeting with clients to discuss their financial goals and determining the best way to invest in commercial natural gas stocks traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ in order to achieve those goals. Other natural gas traders work for energy firms and track the movement of many commodities, such as oil and natural gas. You follow the daily fluctuation of commercial natural gas prices, including residential prices, in order measure your client’s daily profits and losses.

22. Investment Officer

You are responsible for identifying profitable business opportunities and securing investments that will help promote the financial interests of your company. You also work with other departments to manage portfolio projects and make financial transactions.

In order to pursue a career in investment officer, you will need a Master of Business Administration degree, several years of experience in the financial sector, and proven business development skills. These qualifications are highly sought-after in today’s job market and can be found at many large financial institutions, finance consulting groups, and government agencies.

23. Commercial Banker

Commercial bankers work for banks or similar financial institutions and help their clients, both corporate and individual. They typically spend their time marketing the bank to new customers and maintaining strong relationships with those who are already customers. Commercial bankers may have different job duties depending on their employer, but usually involve managing corporate accounts, investing profits, and facilitating loans or financing.

24. Natural Gas Trader

A natural gas trader is responsible for buying and selling natural gas products on various stock and commodities exchanges. You may work independently as a commodities broker, or with a financial institution trading natural gas stocks, funds, and futures.

You are responsible for meeting with clients to discuss their financial goals, and determining the best way to invest in commercial natural gas stocks traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ. You also work for an energy firm, and track the movement of many commodities, such as oil and natural gas. You follow the daily fluctuation of natural gas prices to measure your client’s profits and losses.

25. Investment Officer

In order to identify business opportunities and secure investments that promote the financial interests of an organization, investment officers must have knowledge about the company’s industry and be able to assess risks. They may also need to negotiate contracts, conduct research, and monitor investments.

The qualifications for a career as an investment officer include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, several years of experience in the financial sector, and proven business development skills. In the current job market, you can find investment officer positions at large financial institutions, finance consulting groups, and government agencies.

26. Investment Banker

An investment banker is a professional who provides capital market advice to governments and corporations, helping them invest in the best possible way. They work with clients daily to ensure that their investments are the best possible option and help manage financial research and buy and sell assets on behalf of their clients.

27. Private Banker

Private bankers are specialists in providing banking and investment products to those who can afford them. Clients of private banks typically have much more money than the average person, so they need solutions that are tailored specifically to their needs. Private bankers work diligently to keep their clients’ money safe and help it grow over time.

Private bankers help clients create retirement plans and strategies that will ensure their wealth is passed down to future generations. These banking professionals are often responsible for creating investment portfolios for high-net worth individuals, as well as providing guidance on estate planning.

28. Brokerage Branch Manager

As a financial institution’s brokerage branch manager, your primary responsibilities include supervising the functions of the financial institution as well as hiring new employees and overseeing financial decisions. You are responsible for working with clients looking for loans, lines of credit, and other accounts. Additionally, you work with marketing to grow relationships with the community.

You should be knowledgeable about Wall Street topics, as much of your job revolves around networking with brokers and other finance professionals. Additionally, you are responsible for branch policies, growth, and developing a plan to reach goals in a timely manner. You should also be proficient in computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.

29. Bank Secrecy Act Officer

A bank secrecy act officer is responsible for ensuring the bank’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act. This position is essential to the proper functioning of a bank.

The bank secrecy act, passed in 1970, requires financial institutions to assist law enforcement with investigations of financial crimes. To fulfill this requirement, the act created a BSA officer who is responsible for monitoring the activities of the bank and reporting any occurrences that do not adhere to state and federal statutes and regulations.

30. Investment Counselor

As an investment counselor, your job is to recommend investments that will benefit your clients. You take into account their financial goals and risk tolerance when making these recommendations, and may also offer suggestions on asset management strategies.

You are responsible for conducting research to find the best investment solutions for your clients’ needs. You may connect clients with brokerage firms or specialize in one type of investment product or the investments of a specific company.

31. Equity Trader

An equity trader is responsible for researching and analyzing the stock market to decide when to buy or sell shares. They may also trade options, futures, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other derivatives.

Equity traders can work for a variety of financial institutions, including investment banks, private equity firms, and other financial institutions. Your responsibilities may focus on one specific industry or type of equity.

32. Equity Research Associate

An equity research associate is a financial analyst who helps a financial manager make sound investment decisions by researching market trends and providing recommendations. They also present all of this information to the financial manager so that they can make informed decisions.

To be successful in this career, you will need a degree in business or a related field. Many equity research analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Any analytical skills that you develop while earning your diploma or college degree will be beneficial for this position.

33. Proprietary Trader

Proprietary traders use capital from financial firms to make direct profits. They analyze stock market trends to determine how to trade the money in order to maximize initial investment. Traders keep a portion of the profit they make for their firm or bank, then continue trading other assets, such as stocks and commodities, in order to increase margins. Some proprietary traders employ arbitrage, which is when stock or commodity prices vary in different markets. This allows them take advantage of price differences and turn a profit for the company

34. Commodity Broker

A commodity broker is a professional who buys or sells physical commodities, such as agricultural products, minerals, natural gas or oil, or precious metals on behalf of an investor. They closely follow international markets in a specific commodity or group of commodities and make trades on the trading floor. Duties may include developing reports and forecasts.

 

Some commodity brokers work for brokerage firms, and present their research to their managers or to give trade recommendations to their clients.

35. Business Banker

Commercial bankers are responsible for developing relationships with their clients, understanding their business goals, and helping them learn to manage their finances successfully. They work in a financial institution to help businesses grow and prosper. The main duties of a commercial banker include suggesting the best services or products for their client’s needs and managing their portfolios accordingly.

Leadership skills are important for customer service and communication positions. You also often lead an advisory department at a bank, which means that some employers expect you to have experience in a leadership role.

36. Foreign Exchange Trader

A foreign exchange trader is a professional who buys and sells currencies for financial gain. They work for large investment banks or specialized firms that focus exclusively on the foreign exchange market.

Your primary responsibilities are to follow the currency market, research price fluctuations in currency pairs, and manage an investment account for your clients. Because you work with international markets, you may be required to work long hours, sometimes during market hours in other time zones.

37. Commodity Trader

Commodity traders buy and sell commodities for a firm or bank. Your job duties include researching current stock market trends, advising clients on investments, and keeping up with industry news. Most commodity traders receive instructions from clients before performing deals online or in-person.

Many commodity traders also provide financial advice to their clients, monitoring the prices of commodities closely. This helps ensure that their investment portfolios are on track.

38. International Trade Analyst

As an international trade analyst, you use your knowledge of trade and economics to analyze a company’s or country’s competitive position within a particular industry or sector. You also may conduct research on potential investment projects, markets, industries, and trade barriers. In addition to this analysis, you may provide suggestions for improving the competitiveness of a company or country.

The analyst is responsible for researching new trends and developing strategies to take advantage of them when businesses seek to enter new markets. They are also responsible for researching all trade laws for these markets, assisting trade specialists with preparing technical reports, and providing useful data, statistics, forecasting, and market analysis.

39. Day Trader

A day trader is a financial professional who focuses on buying and selling stocks in order to capitalize on short-term or long-term market gains. They may work primarily in the New York Stock Exchange, but can also be found working remotely.

Day traders monitor market conditions and make purchasing decisions accordingly. They typically complete a transaction cycle over the course of a single day, hence the name.

40. Banking Consultant

Banking consultant greets bank customers and provides advice on account options. They are responsible for answering customer questions about the bank’s financial services, as well as maintaining a thorough knowledge of all available banking products and services.

You provide information to customers about how they can apply for specific bank services. You analyze a customer’s needs, and then make recommendations based on that analysis. You also help customers get applications processed in the correct department.

41. Business Banking Officer

As a business banking officer, your job duties involve developing new relationships with clients, identifying their needs, and helping your retail branch meet quarterly goals.

To be successful as a business banking officer, you typically need a degree in business, finance, or a related field and relevant work experience in a similar environment. Additional qualifications may include excellent customer service and sales skills, as well as knowledge of bank products and services.

42. Bond Analyst

Bond analysts research and make judgments about the performance of municipal, corporate, and treasury bonds and other fixed assets. They provide analysis to help professionals such as hedge funds, investment portfolio managers, financial advisors, and others who invest in these instruments achieve desired outcomes.

Investment bonds are a type of security that offer investors the opportunity to earn interest and, in some cases, participate in the growth of the issuer. Investment bonds can be divided into two categories: government and corporate. Government investment bonds are issued by governments around the world, while corporate investment bonds are issued by companies.

An investment bond is a security that offers investors an opportunity to earn interest on their investments as well as share in any future growth of the issuer. There are two main types of bond: government and corporate. Government bond issuers include governments all over the world, while corporate issuers include companies from all sectors of industry. Corporate debt securities typically have higher credit ratings than government debt securities because they offer stability through strong governance and financial performance over time