Risk Management Jobs in the United States

 

The United States of America was built on a foundation of risk-taking – from the pilgrims sailing across the Atlantic to establish a new home there, to the pioneers who travelled west across the frontier. Fast-forward to the modern day and risk management has evolved into an indispensable discipline in the United States business landscape.

This process of identifying, assessing and controlling financial, legal, strategic and security risks reinforces any successful business in the United States. People who choose a career in risk management choose a rewarding role in one of the most heavily invested and highly regarded departments in their organisation.

Let’s explore some of the risk management jobs in the United States that underpin this pillar of sustainable business.

 

Operational Risk Analyst

Operational risk refers to potential losses resulting from insufficient or incorrect procedures, policies, or processes. It can be caused by things like internal/external fraud, damage to physical assets, and system failure.

An Operational Risk Analyst works to identify and limit the risk associated with an organisation's operations. To achieve this they assess business operations, identify issues in projects, processes and new initiatives, and prepare impact assessments on their findings.

Operational Risk Analyst salaries in the United States typically range between $60,000 and $112,000 a year – with an average salary of $82,457.

 

Market Risk Analyst

Market risk – sometimes called systematic risk – refers to potential losses caused by external factors beyond an organisation’s control, such as interest rate changes or rising inflation.

A Market Risk Analyst conducts research to determine the probability of losses or rewards from investments in their industry. To achieve this they conduct statistical analysis, develop risk management systems, liaise with traders, and report and present their research results.

Market Risk Analyst salaries in the United States typically range between $63,000 and $130,000 a year – with an average salary of $90,794.

 

Credit Risk Analyst

Credit risk refers to the probability of loss resulting from a borrower defaulting on repayments on any type of debt – such as a loan.

A Credit Risk Analyst assesses the creditworthiness and risk profile of an individual or business. They achieve this by analysing their financial data and deciding whether to approve their access to credit. Credit risk analysts typically perform a vital role in commercial banks and investment firms.

Credit Risk Analyst salaries in the United States typically range between $62,000 and $116,000 a year – with an average salary of $85,376.

 

Quantitative Risk Analyst

These risk analysts use quantitative methods to assess the validity of financial results and highlight key information, such as variances, trends, opportunities, and exposures. This process is supported by the computer algorithms they are often tasked with creating that automate the analysis of vast datasets within digital financial markets. This helps organisations to make informed decisions that allow them to identify profitable investment opportunities while managing risk.

Quantitative Risk Analysts are typically employed by financial institutions – investment banks, hedge funds, asset managers, and private equity firms – as well as insurance firms.

Quantitative Risk Analyst salaries in the United States typically range between $50,045 and $175,000 a year – with an average salary of $88,626.

 

Senior Risk Analyst

A Senior Risk Analyst identifies the potential financial losses or disadvantages an organisation might be exposed to when making critical business decisions. To achieve this, they perform extensive research in partnership with relevant departments, liaise with clients, monitor financial markets, review competitors, and present findings to senior executives – while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Senior Risk Analyst salaries in the United States typically range between $69,000 and $127,000 – with an average salary of $94,366.