Business & Finance

Investment Banker Salary

Investment bankers help companies raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and manage complex financial transactions.

Median Salary
$130,000
Mean Salary
$168,200
Total Employed
28,200
Job Growth
+7%

Investment Banker Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level investment bankers earn around $80,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $135,000. Senior-level investment bankers can earn $300,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$300,000

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $130,000+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for investment bankers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $75,000, while the top 10% earn $320,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $75,000
25th Percentile $95,000
50th Percentile (Median) $130,000
75th Percentile $210,000
90th Percentile $320,000

Investment Banker Salary by State

Investment Banker salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $221,000, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $107,900.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $221,000 Details →
#2 Massachusetts $184,600 Details →
#3 California $179,400 Details →
#4 New York $174,200 Details →
#5 Alaska $161,200 Details →
#6 New Jersey $159,900 Details →
#7 Connecticut $156,000 Details →
#8 Maryland $149,500 Details →
#9 Washington $149,500 Details →
#10 Oregon $143,000 Details →
#11 Virginia $141,700 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $139,100 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $139,100 Details →
#14 Delaware $137,800 Details →
#15 Colorado $136,500 Details →
#16 Illinois $131,300 Details →
#17 Vermont $131,300 Details →
#18 Pennsylvania $130,000 Details →
#19 Minnesota $128,700 Details →
#20 Florida $127,400 Details →
#21 Maine $127,400 Details →
#22 Arizona $126,100 Details →
#23 Nevada $126,100 Details →
#24 Utah $126,100 Details →
#25 Georgia $123,500 Details →
#26 Montana $123,500 Details →
#27 North Carolina $123,500 Details →
#28 Idaho $122,200 Details →
#29 New Mexico $120,900 Details →
#30 Nebraska $119,600 Details →
#31 Texas $119,600 Details →
#32 Wisconsin $119,600 Details →
#33 Wyoming $119,600 Details →
#34 Louisiana $118,300 Details →
#35 Indiana $117,000 Details →
#36 Michigan $117,000 Details →
#37 North Dakota $117,000 Details →
#38 Ohio $117,000 Details →
#39 Iowa $115,700 Details →
#40 South Carolina $115,700 Details →
#41 Tennessee $115,700 Details →
#42 Missouri $114,400 Details →
#43 South Dakota $114,400 Details →
#44 Alabama $113,100 Details →
#45 Kansas $113,100 Details →
#46 Kentucky $113,100 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $111,800 Details →
#48 Arkansas $109,200 Details →
#49 West Virginia $109,200 Details →
#50 Mississippi $107,900 Details →

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Investment Bankers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $170,000 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Key Responsibilities

  • ● Advise on mergers and acquisitions
  • ● Structure and execute capital raises
  • ● Perform financial modeling and valuation
  • ● Prepare pitch books and presentations
  • ● Manage client relationships

Top Skills

Financial Modeling Valuation M&A Excel PowerPoint Due Diligence

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 7% growth over the next decade

Open to New Investment Banker Opportunities?

Get matched with recruiters hiring investment bankers at competitive salaries. We'll connect you with opportunities — no spam, no job boards.

Free — no obligations

Or browse open positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Banker Salaries

How much does a Investment Banker make per year? ▼
The median investment banker salary in the United States is $130,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $80,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $300,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $168,200.
How much does a Investment Banker make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $130,000 per year, a investment banker earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for investment bankers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for investment bankers, with a median salary of $221,000. Other top-paying states include Massachusetts ($184,600) and California ($179,400).
What education do you need to become a investment banker? ▼
Most investment banker positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Modeling, Valuation, M&A, Excel. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for investment bankers? ▼
Employment for investment bankers is projected to grow 7% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 28,200 investment bankers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level investment banker make? ▼
An entry-level investment banker with 0-2 years of experience earns around $80,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $135,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $75,000, while the top 10% earn $320,000.