Portfolio Manager Salary
by City (2026)
Manage investment portfolios on behalf of institutions or high-net-worth clients. National median: $162K/year. See how your city compares.
Portfolio Manager salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $162K Portfolio Manager salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βPortfolio Manager Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Portfolio Manager is $162,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $115,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $225,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Portfolio Managers nationally earn $320,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Finance; CFA designation; MBA common. This role is 40% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Portfolio Manager compensation is growing at 4.2% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate.
Portfolio Manager salary FAQ
How much does a Portfolio Manager make?
The median Portfolio Manager salary in the US is $162,000 per year β about $78/hour. Most earn between $115,000 (25th percentile) and $225,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Portfolio Manager?
Entry-level Portfolio Manager positions typically start around $115,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Portfolio Managers earn?
The top 10% of Portfolio Managers earn $320,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Portfolio Managers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Portfolio Manager salary at $243K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Portfolio Manager salaries going up?
Yes β Portfolio Manager pay is growing about 4.2% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.