Financial Analyst in Burbank, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Burbank Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers. As a local, I can tell you that moving to Burbank for a financial analyst role is a calculated risk with solid rewards. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Burbank is $103,613/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.81/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for the role, which is $99,010/year. The job market here is stable but competitive; there are approximately 205 financial analyst positions in the metro area, reflecting a 9% growth over the last decade. This growth is heavily tied to the region's entertainment, aerospace, and specialized healthcare sectors, which require robust financial modeling and forecasting.

To understand where you fit into this landscape, let’s break it down by experience. This is a general industry framework, not a guarantee, but it aligns with what I've seen for analysts in the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena corridor.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Burbank)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior	7-10 years	$125,000 - $155,000
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$160,000+

When you compare Burbank to other major California cities, the picture gets interesting. While the Bay Area and Los Angeles proper might offer higher top-end salaries, they come with a significantly higher cost of living. San Francisco's median is often cited in the $130,000+ range, but rent for a 1BR can easily exceed $3,500. In Burbank, your $103,613 salary goes further, especially when you factor in the specific industries that call this city home. You're not competing with every tech analyst from Silicon Valley; you're competing for roles at studios, media companies, and regional headquarters. This specialization can be a huge advantage.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. Many of the top employers here, especially in entertainment, offer substantial bonuses tied to project performance and company profitability. A mid-level analyst at a major studio can see bonuses add 10-20% to their total compensation, pushing their effective income well above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you're making the median salary of $103,613. Let's do the math on what that actually means in your pocket and your budget. California has a progressive state tax system, and for a single filer in 2023, your estimated take-home pay after federal, state, FICA, and local taxes would be approximately $6,800 - $7,100 per month, depending on your deductions and 401(k) contributions.

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Burbank is $2,252/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 115.5, meaning it's 15.5% more expensive than the national average (which is 100). Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for someone earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	~32%
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$220	~3.2%
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	~8%
Groceries & Household	$500	~7.2%
Health Insurance	$300	~4.3%
Student Loans/Debt	$400	~5.7%
Entertainment & Dining	$600	~8.6%
Savings & Investments	$1,200+	~17%+
TOTAL	~$6,800 - $7,100	100%

This budget is tight but manageable, especially if you have a roommate or are willing to live in a slightly smaller space. The key is the $1,200+ for savings and investments. This is where you build wealth. If you're diligent, you can still save over 15% of your income, which is a healthy rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? That's the million-dollar question. In Burbank, the median home price is over $1.1 million. With a 20% down payment ($220,000) and a mortgage at current rates, your monthly payment would be roughly $5,500 - $6,000, which is more than double the average rent. For a single person earning $103,613, this is not feasible without a significant partner's income or a much larger down payment. The path to homeownership for most analysts here is either buying in a neighboring, more affordable suburb (like Sun Valley or Glendale), saving aggressively for years, or moving up to a senior or manager role with a salary closer to $150,000+.

Where the Jobs Are: Burbank's Major Employers

Burbank isn't a generic "financial hub." Its job market is defined by media, entertainment, aerospace, and regional healthcare. You need to tailor your resume and networking to these sectors. Here are the major players:

1. The Walt Disney Company: Based in Burbank, the headquarters is a financial analyst's playground. Roles span corporate finance, FP&A, and strategic planning for their parks, consumer products, and media divisions. Hiring is constant but competitive. Insider Tip: Networking within the "Disney Alumni" network on LinkedIn is crucial. Many finance professionals here started there.

2. Warner Bros. Discovery: Another giant with a massive Burbank campus. They have a huge need for analysts who can model film and TV production costs, box office performance, and streaming revenue. The culture is fast-paced and project-based.

3. Amazon Studios: While Amazon's corporate HQ is in Seattle, its creative studios are in Santa Monica and Culver City, pulling heavily from the Burbank talent pool. They look for analysts with experience in high-growth, data-intensive environments.

4. Lockheed Martin (Burbank Facility): The aerospace sector is stable, lucrative, and requires top-tier security clearances. Financial analysts here work on long-term government contracts, managing budgets and forecasts for complex projects. The pay is excellent, and the benefits are among the best.

5. Providence St. Joseph Health: This major hospital system has a significant administrative and financial operations center in Burbank. They need analysts for budgeting, revenue cycle management, and cost accounting. It's a resilient sector, less susceptible to entertainment industry cycles.

6. Independent Production Companies & VFX Studios: Burbank is surrounded by smaller, high-end studios like Crafty Apes, Gradient Effects, and many others. These companies are always growing and need financial analysts who can wear multiple hats. The work is creative, but you must be adept at managing tight cash flows.

7. Local Government & Educational Institutions: The City of Burbank and the Burbank Unified School District have regular openings for financial analysts. These roles offer stability, great benefits, and a predictable 9-5 schedule.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward analysts who are proficient in data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) and have a strong grasp of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like Workday or Oracle. The shift from pure accounting to predictive analytics is happening here, just as it is nationwide.

Getting Licensed in CA

In California, you don't need a specific "Financial Analyst" license to perform the core duties of the job. However, if you are advising on securities (buy/sell stocks/bonds) or managing portfolios, you must be licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The most common licenses are the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam).

Here’s the practical timeline and cost for a typical analyst who might move into an advisory role:

Step	Action	Estimated Cost	Timeline
1. Sponsorship	Secure a job with a FINRA-member firm (e.g., a bank's investment division, a wealth management firm).	$0 (Employer pays)	1-3 months (job search)
2. Study for Series 7 & 66	Use provider materials (Kaplan, Kaplan) or your firm's resources.	$800 - $1,200 (if self-funded)	2-3 months (part-time)
3. Exams	Schedule and pass the Series 7 (6-hour exam) and Series 66 (4-hour exam).	$80 - $100 per exam	1-2 months (scheduling)
4. State Registration	Your employer will file your Form U4 with the state. California has no additional state exam.	$0 (Employer handles)	2-4 weeks

Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,300 (if not employer-sponsored). Total Timeline: 4-7 months from job offer to fully licensed.

Important Note: For corporate financial analysts (FP&A, budgeting), these licenses are NOT required. They are only essential for roles in brokerage, wealth management, or investment advising. Always check the job description. For the core analyst roles we're discussing, you just need a strong foundation in finance (a bachelor's degree is standard, often in Finance, Accounting, or Economics) and relevant software skills.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Where you live in Burbank will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is geographically compact, but neighborhoods vary. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Burbank: The heart of the action. Walkable to restaurants, theaters, and the AMC complex. You'll find modern apartment complexes here. Commute: Excellent. You can walk or bike to many offices. Rent Estimate: $2,400 - $2,800 for a 1BR. Best For: Young professionals who want an urban vibe without the chaos of downtown LA.

2. The Hillside Area (North of the 134 Freeway): Quieter, more residential, with beautiful views of the Verdugo Mountains. You'll find single-family homes and older, more spacious apartments. Commute: Easy freeway access to the 134/5 interchange. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500 for a 1BR. Best For: Those seeking a more settled, peaceful environment.

3. Magnolia Park (South of the 5 Freeway): This is the classic Burbank neighborhood. Charming, tree-lined streets, historic bungalows, and a strong community feel. It's a bit further from the core offices but has a great local feel. Commute: 10-15 minutes to the Disney or Warner Bros. campuses. Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400 for a 1BR. Best For: Analysts who value neighborhood character and don't mind a short drive.

4. Alameda / Rancho (West of the 5 Freeway): Primarily residential, with easy access to Griffith Park for hiking. It's family-oriented and has excellent schools. Commute: 15-20 minutes to major studios. Rent Estimate: $2,200 - $2,600 for a 1BR. Best For: Analysts with families or who prioritize outdoor access.

5. East Burbank / Empire Center: Often overlooked, this area is close to the Bob Hope Airport (Hollywood Burbank Airport) and has a mix of apartments and businesses. It's more affordable and has great freeway access. Commute: Very easy to the 5 and 134. Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,300 for a 1BR. Best For: Budget-conscious analysts who want a central location with a shorter commute to the airport or Glendale.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 9% 10-year job growth is a solid indicator, but growth for you depends on specialization. In Burbank, you can command a premium by focusing on these areas:

• Entertainment Finance: If you master modeling film/TV production budgets, residuals, and licensing deals, you become indispensable. Senior analysts here can easily push into the $140,000 - $160,000 range.
• FP&A in Aerospace/Defense: This requires understanding long-term government contracts and Earned Value Management (EVM). The pay is high, and the job security is exceptional.
• Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Transitioning from a traditional analyst to a "Business Analyst" or "Data Analyst" with heavy skills in SQL, Python, and visualization tools can launch your salary into the $130,000+ range much faster.

10-Year Outlook: The core financial analyst role isn't disappearing, but it's evolving. The analysts who will thrive in Burbank over the next decade are those who can blend traditional finance skills with data storytelling. The entertainment industry is in flux with streaming wars, creating a constant need for analysts who can forecast new revenue models. The aerospace sector remains a stable, long-term bet. Your career path could look like this: Financial Analyst (0-3 yrs) -> Senior Analyst (4-7 yrs) -> Finance Manager (8+ yrs). From a Finance Manager, you can move into Director roles ($180,000+) or specialize as a Controller.

The Verdict: Is Burbank Right for You?

Burbank is a unique market. It's not the sprawling financial center of LA, nor is it the tech-driven engine of the Bay Area. It's a specialized, industry-specific hub. Whether it's the right fit depends on your career goals and lifestyle priorities.

Pros	Cons
Industry Specialization: Unbeatable access to entertainment and aerospace finance roles.	High Housing Cost: Rent consumes a significant portion of income; homeownership is a distant goal for most.
Manageable Commute: Smaller city, shorter drives than much of LA County.	Limited "Finance Hub" Diversity: If you want to switch from entertainment to banking, you may need to commute to downtown LA.
Better Value than LA: For the same salary, you get more space and a quieter life than in central Los Angeles.	Competitive Job Market: Top jobs at major studios are highly sought-after.
Vibrant Local Culture: Great restaurants, shopping, and a sense of community.	Traffic Congestion: Despite being a smaller city, the 5 and 134 freeways are notoriously busy during rush hour.
Stable Employers: Major corporations (Disney, Lockheed) offer long-term career potential.	Cost of Living Index: At 115.5, it's significantly above the national average, and taxes are high.

Final Recommendation: Burbank is an excellent choice for a financial analyst who is passionate about the entertainment industry or aerospace, values a strong community feel over a mega-city vibe, and is comfortable with a tight-but-manageable budget. If you're looking for a generic finance career with a wide variety of corporate and banking employers on your doorstep every day, you might find more options commuting to downtown LA. However, if you want to build a niche, specialized career in a stable, growing market, Burbank is a top contender.

FAQs

1. Is it better to live in Burbank or commute from a cheaper city like Glendale or North Hollywood?
Glendale's cost of living is very similar to Burbank. North Hollywood can be slightly cheaper but has a higher crime rate and a longer commute to the Burbank studios. For most, the time and stress saved by living in Burbank are worth the cost. If you need to save money, look at Sun Valley or Tujunga, but be prepared for a 20-25 minute commute.

2. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Burbank is designed around cars. Public transit (the Metro B Line) exists but is limited for commuting to specific offices. You'll need a car for groceries, commuting, and exploring the wider LA area.

3. How is the job security in entertainment finance?
It's more stable than you might think. While individual shows can be risky, the major studios (Disney, Warner Bros.) are massive, diversified corporations. Their corporate finance and FP&A departments are always running. The volatility is higher in production companies and smaller studios, but the demand for skilled analysts remains strong.

4. What's the best way to find a job in Burbank?
Leverage LinkedIn and set your location to Burbank. Connect with recruiters who specialize in entertainment and aerospace. Attend local networking events through the LA Chapter of the Financial Planning Association or industry-specific mixers. Many jobs are filled through referrals, especially at the major studios.

5. What are the typical working hours?
At corporate headquarters (Disney, Lockheed), you can expect a standard 9-6 schedule with some peak periods (quarter-end). At production companies or studios, hours can be more project-based and may include longer days when a film is in production or a show is airing. Work-life balance is generally better than in New York or the Bay Area, but the entertainment industry has its own rhythm.