Quantitative Analyst Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$172,000
national median salary
$128,000 to $232,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$244,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$179,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$136,000
Charleston, WV
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 Quantitative Analyst salary in the United States is $172,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $128,000 at the 25th percentile to $232,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $244,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Firm type and strategy alpha generation are the primary pay determinants.
Quantitative Analyst salary by city
Skills that increase Quantitative Analyst pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Quantitative Analysts based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $24,080 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$24,080 per year
≈ +$22,360 per year
≈ +$20,640 per year
≈ +$18,920 per year
≈ +$18,920 per year
≈ +$17,200 per year
≈ +$17,200 per year
≈ +$15,480 per year
What you should know
Firm type and strategy alpha generation are the primary pay determinants. Quants at top hedge funds like Citadel, Two Sigma, or DE Shaw earn 50 to 100% more than those at banks or asset managers. PhD-level mathematics, physics, or computer science backgrounds from top research universities command the highest starting salaries.
Junior quants start at $120,000 to $160,000 base at top firms. Mid-level quantitative analysts earn $160,000 to $220,000 base. Senior quants and portfolio managers reach $220,000 to $350,000 base. Quant portfolio managers running profitable strategies can earn $500,000 to several million in total compensation.
Performance bonuses at quantitative hedge funds frequently equal or exceed base salary, with total compensation of $300,000 to $800,000 for mid-level quants. Top performers at elite firms can earn $1 million or more. Bank quants receive 20 to 50% bonuses with smaller variance.