Business & Finance Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Investment Banker Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median investment banker salary in Los Angeles, CA is $189,800 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$189,800
vs State Avg
+$10,400
vs National
+$59,800
Cost of Living
146%

Investment Banker Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median investment banker salary of $189,800, which is $10,400 above the California state average of $179,400. Compared to the national median of $130,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $189,800 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for investment bankers in Los Angeles spans from $109,500 at the 10th percentile to $467,200 at the 90th percentile — a $357,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $116,800, while senior investment bankers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $438,000. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Investment Banker Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level investment banker earns around $116,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $438,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$116,800
+$36,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$197,100
+$62,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$438,000
+$138,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $109,500
25th Percentile $138,700
Median (50th) $189,800
75th Percentile $306,600
90th Percentile $467,200

Investment Banker Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Investment Banker in Los Angeles

Education

Most investment banker positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ModelingValuationM&AExcelPowerPointDue Diligence

Job Outlook

Nationally, investment banker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Investment Banker Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open investment banker positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Investment Banker Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Investment Banker make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median investment banker salary in Los Angeles, California is $189,800 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $109,500 (10th percentile) to $467,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Investment Banker make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $189,800, a investment banker in Los Angeles earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for investment banker pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median investment banker salary of $189,800 is 5.8% above the California state average of $179,400. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a investment banker salary of $189,800 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a investment banker in Los Angeles? ▼
Most investment banker positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Modeling, Valuation, M&A, Excel. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.