What Is the Average CMT® Charterholder Salary?
According to a 2018 CMT Association survey, charterholders earned a median salary of over $200,000. In 2024, we received an estimate from an association representative putting the new figure around $250,000 (similar to the 2018 salary adjusted for inflation). As the number of charterholders expands and the credential’s global distribution evolves, it’s likely that the median salary will drop in absolute terms but remain relatively consistent in PPP-adjusted terms.
U.S. CMT Charterholder Salaries Based on Job Title
In the United States, Chartered Market Technician salaries are reflected in data for financial analysts, advisors, and managers. While charterholders typically earn more than their noncredentialed peers, the figures below offer a baseline for what to expect along this career path:
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Pay | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial and investment analysts | $99,010 | $47.60 | $112,950 | $54.30 |
| Financial risk specialists | $106,090 | $51.01 | $118,950 | $57.19 |
| Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents | $76,900 | $36.97 | $109,710 | $52.75 |
| Financial managers | $156,100 | $75.05 | $174,820 | $84.05 |
*Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ wage estimates from May 2023.
These roles are defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as follows:
- Financial and investment analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including the valuation of businesses.
- Financial risk specialists analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risks threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. They may make recommendations to limit risk.
- Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. They may advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.
- Financial managers plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
You can read more about the specific roles and responsibilities of charterholders on our CMT careers page
Factors That Can Affect Your Salary
The factors that affect CMT charterholder salaries most substantially are location, connections, experience, industry, and education. While there are no specific salary numbers available to analyze, it’s worth discussing each topic to determine ways you might maximize your earning potential.
Location
Because charterholders work with financial markets, their location is typically clustered in major financial hubs like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other large U.S. cities. The credential also has a notable — and growing — global presence. You can find charterholders in Hong Kong, Mumbai, London, and many additional international locations. Where you live will have obvious impacts on your cost of living, taxes, and starting salary, among other financial considerations.
Connections
Networking is the name of the game in many industries. For professionals who specialize in the technical analysis of financial markets, the CMT charter is among your best options to make meaningful connections in your field. To become a charterholder, you must first qualify as a CMT Association Professional Member, which can open the door to new and worthwhile professional relationships.
Experience
Similar to other professions, your career experience will impact your salary. To become a CMT charterholder, you must complete 3+ years of employment in a finance-related role. This automatically places charterholders above many early-career professionals in terms of salary. The dedication, knowledge, and skill it takes to attain your credential also play into the reason why many current charterholders are in mid- to senior-level roles.
Industry
The specific industry you choose can play a role in how much you earn. CMT charterholders typically work for stock brokerage firms, hedge funds, investment banks, mutual fund companies, and pension fund management companies.
Education
To become a charterholder, you must complete a bachelor’s degree. However, many choose to go a step further and earn their master’s degree in finance. Your level of formal education will play a role in your earning potential. There are also CMT charterholders who choose to pursue additional credentials. This signals their dedication and competence to employers and may result in a higher salary than having one or no designation.
Total Compensation
In the world of finance, salary isn’t the whole story. Depending on your specific role, you may receive bonuses, stock options, commissions, or other elements of a pay package that vary by performance on an annual basis. This can affect your salary and total earnings.
CMT Charter vs. Related Finance Credentials
If you’re striving to broaden your expertise beyond the CMT charter, we suggest considering the CFA and CFP credentials. Both boast strong median salaries in their own right and feature overlapping content and skill sets that may help you attain your designation sooner.
CMT vs. CFA
The CFA charter is perhaps the most prominent certification in the finance industry. These professionals develop expertise in financial analysis, equity research, and financial modeling. There are nearly 200,000 CFA charterholders with an average salary of about $180,000. If you have a CMT or CFA charter and would like to pursue the other, your path will be quicker due to a joint Stackable Credential program between the CMT Association and CFA Institute.
CMT vs. CFP
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential covers all manner of financial planning skill sets to help advisors better serve their clients. In a 2024 survey, the CFP Board found the median total compensation for CFP professionals to be $192,000. Pairing advanced financial planning knowledge with skills in technical analysis is a unique combination that can pay dividends down the road.
Maximize Your CMT Salary
As a finance professional, your salary will be largely tied to your job title, years of experience, location, and education. However, by attaining your CMT charter, leveraging connections, and continuing your professional development, you’ll find yourself in a better position to climb to the top of your industry and maximize your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average salary for a CMT charterholder?
How does the average CMT salary compare to other finance certifications?
How does seniority affect a CMT charterholder’s salary?
Read More About the CMT Exam
Is becoming a CMT charterholder right for your career? Learn what they do and how to attain your charter, including eligibility and other requirements.
Explore career opportunities for CMT charterholders. Learn about the roles, responsibilities, and growth potential for professionals using technical analysis.
Learn everything you need to know about the CMT exam, including structure, eligibility requirements, exam dates, content, pass rates, and career benefits.
Become a trusted technical analyst with our CMT course. Master behavioral economics, evaluate market trends, and advance in the finance industry.
