What is an asset manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An asset manager handles investments on behalf of clients, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and high net worth individuals. They analyze market trends and economic indicators to make informed decisions and develop portfolios that meet the client’s specific objectives and risk tolerance. Asset managers also monitor and adjust portfolios as needed. Additionally, they provide investment performance reports to clients. Overall, asset managers help clients grow their wealth and achieve their goals.

ScoreAsset ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $85,814

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.5

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 8.88%

Black or African American 7.80%

Hispanic or Latino 15.03%

Unknown 4.11%

White 63.83%

Gender

female 35.74%

male 64.26%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
9.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.3

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Asset Manager?

Pros

  • High earning potential

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Flexibility in job location and employer type

  • Opportunities for networking and building professional relationships

  • Working with a team of talented professionals

Cons

  • Risk of burnout due to workload and stress

  • Can be emotionally draining when investments do not perform well

  • Limited work-life balance due to demands of the job

  • Ethical challenges when balancing the interests of clients and company profits

  • Potential for job insecurity during economic downturns

Asset Manager career paths

Key steps to become an asset manager

  1. Explore asset manager education requirements

    Most common asset manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.9 %

    Associate

    12.4 %

    Master's

    11.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific asset manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Asset Management19.58%
    Financial Statements7.08%
    Property Management6.69%
    Customer Service6.49%
    Oversight5.21%
  3. Complete relevant asset manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New asset managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an asset manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real asset manager resumes.
  4. Research asset manager duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your asset manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your asset manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an asset manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Asset Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Asset Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Asset Manager resume.
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    Asset Manager Resume
  6. Apply for asset manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an asset manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Asset Manager Job

Zippi

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Average asset manager salary

The average Asset Manager salary in the United States is $85,814 per year or $41 per hour. Asset manager salaries range between $59,000 and $123,000 per year.

Average Asset Manager Salary
$85,814 Yearly
$41.26 hourly

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How do asset managers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Asset Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2024
Cons

Lifecycle is not flashy. Software is confusing.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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