Investment Banker Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$148,000
national median salary
$105,000 to $200,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$206,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$154,000
Honolulu, HI
Lowest Paying
$112,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Investment Banker salary in the United States is $148,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $105,000 at the 25th percentile to $200,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $206,000, while Honolulu offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Bank prestige tier and deal flow drive enormous salary differences.
Investment Banker salary by city
Skills that increase Investment Banker pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Investment Bankers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $20,720 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$20,720 per year
≈ +$19,240 per year
≈ +$17,760 per year
≈ +$16,280 per year
≈ +$16,280 per year
≈ +$14,800 per year
≈ +$14,800 per year
≈ +$13,320 per year
What you should know
Bank prestige tier and deal flow drive enormous salary differences. Analysts and associates at bulge bracket firms (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan) earn 20 to 40% more than those at middle-market banks. Industry group specialization in technology, healthcare, or energy M&A further increases compensation potential.
Analysts start at $110,000 to $130,000 base with $80,000 to $120,000 bonuses. Associates earn $150,000 to $200,000 base with $100,000 to $200,000 bonuses. VPs reach $250,000 to $350,000 base. Managing directors earn $400,000 to $600,000 base with total compensation often exceeding $1 million.
Bonuses are the defining feature of investment banking pay, typically ranging from 50 to 100% of base salary. First-year analysts receive $80,000 to $120,000 bonuses at top firms. Total compensation for associates regularly exceeds $300,000 to $400,000 including year-end bonuses and stub bonuses.