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The differences between equity research analysts and corporate finance analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an equity research analyst and a corporate finance analyst. Additionally, an equity research analyst has an average salary of $119,540, which is higher than the $76,023 average annual salary of a corporate finance analyst.
The top three skills for an equity research analyst include financial models, macro and securities. The most important skills for a corporate finance analyst are financial analysis, strong analytical, and financial models.
| Equity Research Analyst | Corporate Finance Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $119,540 | $76,023 |
| Hourly rate | $57.47 | $36.55 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 85,974 | 114,375 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An equity research analyst is responsible for analyzing stock and securities markets, generating reports and performance projections, and advising clients on the best options for clients' financial portfolios. Equity research analysts should have excellent knowledge of the current stock market trends, especially the availability of the securities to identify investments that would sell in public. They evaluate the clients' needs out of their investment interests and risk appetite. An equity research analyst must be highly-communicative and analytical, especially on responding to clients' inquiries and concerns and informing investment managers on the stock and securities available.
Corporate finance analysts make significant business decisions based on the data they gather. Typically, corporate finance analysts work within an organization and support management decisions through actionable financial information. They monitor the taxes, expenses, financial statements, and other financial details of where the company sources its income. This position requires a formal qualification in accounting. It also necessitates the analyst to develop interpersonal skills, knowledge in information technology software, financial reporting skills, and experience in management.
Equity research analysts and corporate finance analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equity Research Analyst | Corporate Finance Analyst | |
| Average salary | $119,540 | $76,023 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $182,000 | Between $52,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Michigan |
| Best paying company | Simmons Energy | |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between an equity research analyst and a corporate finance analyst in terms of educational background:
| Equity Research Analyst | Corporate Finance Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Finance | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between equity research analysts' and corporate finance analysts' demographics:
| Equity Research Analyst | Corporate Finance Analyst | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |