Hedge fund manager vs asset manager

The differences between hedge fund managers and asset managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 8-10 years to become a hedge fund manager, becoming an asset manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a hedge fund manager has an average salary of $135,399, which is higher than the $85,814 average annual salary of an asset manager.

The top three skills for a hedge fund manager include hedge funds, derivative and private equity. The most important skills for an asset manager are asset management, financial statements, and property management.

Hedge fund manager vs asset manager overview

	Hedge Fund Manager	Asset Manager
Yearly salary	$135,399	$85,814
Hourly rate	$65.10	$41.26
Growth rate	10%	17%
Number of jobs	2,225	64,732
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	47	46
Years of experience	10	8

What does a hedge fund manager do?

A hedge fund manager manages an investment pool, popularly called a hedge fund. This entails managing liquid assets that have been contributed by a limited number of investors who have met a certain net worth investment. They oversee this fund and make investment decisions for this fund, including running its daily affairs. Another part of their duty is to monitors stock markets and choose which assets to buy. They may also have to make money by using several investment techniques such as selling or leveraging.

What does an asset manager do?

An asset manager is responsible for advising clients with their investment preferences and financial goals based on their assets' quantity and value. Asset managers regularly meet with their clients regarding their asset management's progress, recommending more investment options and considering the clients' needs. They manage financial portfolios and prepare stock market reports and forecasts as needed. An asset manager must have a broad knowledge of the financial industry and investment processes, identifying profit opportunities for long-term investment objectives.

Hedge fund manager vs asset manager salary

Hedge fund managers and asset managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Hedge Fund Manager	Asset Manager
Average salary	$135,399	$85,814
Salary range	Between $70,000 And $261,000	Between $59,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	Rochester, NY	New York, NY
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Kforce	Deutsche Bank
Best paying industry	Insurance	Finance

Differences between hedge fund manager and asset manager education

There are a few differences between a hedge fund manager and an asset manager in terms of educational background:

	Hedge Fund Manager	Asset Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 74%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Finance	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Hedge fund manager vs asset manager demographics

Here are the differences between hedge fund managers' and asset managers' demographics:

	Hedge Fund Manager	Asset Manager
Average age	47	46
Gender ratio	Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8%	Male, 64.3% Female, 35.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 9.0% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 8.9% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	10%	11%

Differences between hedge fund manager and asset manager duties and responsibilities

Hedge fund manager example responsibilities.

Manage derivative credit risk for transactions with mutual and pension funds.
Manage a portfolio of equities and options within the technology and energy sectors.
Manage short term interest rate risk management utilizing basis swaps to modify portfolio duration.
Perform month-end closings including calculations of final NAV, performance and partner allocations.
Research all sensitivity factors that may have an economic effect on the fund's NAV.
Develop financial and risk models, negotiate margin and collateral contracts (cash / securities), insurance and hedging options.

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Asset manager example responsibilities.

Manage and improve the processes require to support server end of life and normal windows patching processes.
Manage a pipeline of assets/projects through the project life cycle of short sale/deed in lieu of foreclosure through closing.
Manage and facilitate IRB investigations of report non-compliance and/or scientific misconduct.
Recognize for financial acumen, successfully managing invoicing, vendor accounts, reconciliations, and target reports.
Manage commercial and multifamily REO portfolio preparing property operating plans to enhance value and marketability of REO asset
Trade structured product securities for accounts manage by other portfolio managers base on economic conditions and the needs of specific portfolios.

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Hedge fund manager vs asset manager skills

Common hedge fund manager skills

Hedge Funds, 21%
Derivative, 16%
Private Equity, 15%
Equities, 9%
Swaps, 8%
Mutual Funds, 8%

Common asset manager skills

Asset Management, 20%
Financial Statements, 7%
Property Management, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
Oversight, 5%
Loan Portfolio, 5%

Updated January 8, 2025

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