Quant finance pay rises as AI reshapes skills demand, says survey

Quantitative finance professionals are seeing average salary increases of around 3.5% in North America, 4% in Europe, and 5% in Asia from 2025 to 2026, as per the CQF Institute's 2026 Careers Guide to Quantitative Finance. Heads of trading in North America can now earn up to $750,000. The research reveals that 59% of surveyed professionals have seen their responsibilities expand due to AI, while 74% anticipate AI to significantly transform their roles within five years.

As routine tasks become automated, employers are seeking candidates who can apply quantitative techniques to real-world data, create production systems from research, and make judgments regarding advanced models' outputs. Roles such as quant developers, researchers, and machine learning engineers are among the most challenging to fill, reflecting the demand for professionals proficient in finance, engineering, and AI.

An overwhelming 88% of respondents believe a skills shortage exists in quantitative finance, with 76% noting that this gap has widened in the last three years. Dr Riaz Ahmad, program manager at the CQF Institute, emphasizes that while strong mathematical and technical skills remain crucial, professionals who excel in applying these skills in production, exercising judgment, working across disciplines, and effectively using AI responsibly are increasingly valued.

The research highlights the growing importance of continuous learning, with over 80% of respondents agreeing it's essential for long-term career success. More than 75% of respondents also noted that their current roles require skills they weren't taught at university. These findings indicate continued competition for specialists in quantitative investment firms, especially those capable of blending mathematical expertise with software development, machine learning, and practical investment knowledge.