How much does a Finance Director make?
Finance Directors play a key role in managing a company’s finances. They often make between $51,279 and $282,500 per year. The average yearly salary sits at around $144,786. This range offers a lot of opportunity for those who succeed in the role.
Different factors can affect a Finance Director's salary. These include the size of the company, the industry, and the location. Larger companies and certain industries, like finance and tech, typically offer higher salaries. Locations with a higher cost of living, such as big cities, also tend to pay more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Finance Director?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $204,669
Work in a hub of innovation and technology. Manage finances for companies that shape the future. Expect a competitive salary and dynamic work environment.
Find Finance Director jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $187,841
Be part of Silicon Valley’s tech boom. Oversee financial strategies for leading tech firms. Enjoy a rewarding career and a strong job market.
Find Finance Director jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $186,344
Experience a thriving tech scene. Lead financial teams for major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Benefit from a balanced lifestyle and vibrant community.
Find Finance Director jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $184,205
Join the finance capital of the South. Manage finances for top banks and financial institutions. Enjoy a stable job market and friendly atmosphere.
Find Finance Director jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $182,587
Lead financial operations in the heart of California. Manage budgets for government and private sectors. Enjoy a lower cost of living and strong job growth.
Find Finance Director jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $181,925
Oversee finances in a growing tech and healthcare hub. Work for companies in a thriving job market. Enjoy a warm climate and diverse culture.
Find Finance Director jobs in Tampa, FL
-
Houston, TX
Average Salary: $178,072
Manage finances for energy and healthcare giants. Work in a dynamic job market with diverse industries. Enjoy a warm climate and lower living costs.
Find Finance Director jobs in Houston, TX
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $177,591
Work in the entertainment capital. Lead financial teams for media and tech companies. Enjoy a vibrant culture and diverse job opportunities.
Find Finance Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $170,422
Lead financial teams in a hub of education and innovation. Work for renowned institutions and companies. Enjoy a rich history and strong job market.
Find Finance Director jobs in Boston, MA
-
Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $170,337
Oversee finances in a major business center. Work for top companies in oil, tech, and finance. Enjoy a growing job market and warm hospitality.
Find Finance Director jobs in Dallas, TX
What are the best companies a Finance Director can work for?

-
PwC
Average Salary: $282,500
PwC offers rewarding opportunities for Finance Directors. They operate globally with offices in major cities. They focus on audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services.
-
KPMG
Average Salary: $229,130
KPMG provides excellent salaries for Finance Directors. With locations around the world, they provide audit, tax, and consulting services. KPMG supports professional growth and development.
-
Microsoft
Average Salary: $217,250
Microsoft is a leading tech company offering competitive salaries for Finance Directors. They have offices worldwide. Microsoft emphasizes innovation and growth.
-
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Average Salary: $193,902
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers solid salaries for Finance Directors. They operate globally with a focus on scientific instruments and laboratory products. They value teamwork and innovation.
-
Cushman & Wakefield
Average Salary: $175,750
Cushman & Wakefield provides good compensation for Finance Directors. They have offices in many cities and focus on commercial real estate services. They encourage professional development.
-
Fitch Ratings
Average Salary: $168,910
Fitch Ratings offers attractive salaries for Finance Directors. They have offices in major financial centers. They specialize in credit ratings, research, and analysis.
-
NBCUniversal
Average Salary: $153,333
NBCUniversal offers competitive pay for Finance Directors. They have offices in many cities and focus on media and entertainment. They support creative and innovative work.
-
Ryder System
Average Salary: $149,483
Ryder System provides good salaries for Finance Directors. They operate globally with a focus on logistics and transportation. They value teamwork and professional growth.
-
CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $144,101
CommonSpirit Health offers solid compensation for Finance Directors. They have locations in many cities and focus on health care services. They support a collaborative work environment.
-
Robert Half
Average Salary: $132,793
Robert Half provides competitive salaries for Finance Directors. They have offices in many cities and focus on connecting talent with opportunities. They value innovation and professional development.
How to earn more as a Finance Director?
A Finance Director can increase their earnings through various strategies. Focusing on specific areas can lead to higher salaries and better career opportunities. One important step is gaining advanced certifications. Degrees like a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can open doors to higher-paying positions. These credentials show a deep understanding of finance, making a candidate more attractive to employers.
Another way to earn more is by taking on more responsibility. A Finance Director can increase their salary by successfully managing larger budgets or more complex financial operations. Showing leadership and taking on challenging projects demonstrates value to the company. This can lead to promotions and salary increases. Seeking out roles in industries known for higher salaries, such as technology or finance, can also boost earnings. Networking within these industries and staying informed about market trends helps in making strategic career moves. Finally, staying current with financial software and technologies can enhance a Finance Director's skills, making them more effective and marketable.
Consider these strategies to improve earning potential:
- Obtain advanced certifications like CFA or CPA.
- Take on more responsibilities and demonstrate leadership.
- Seek roles in high-paying industries such as technology or finance.
- Stay current with financial software and technologies.
- Network within the industry and stay informed about market trends.



