Business & Finance Illinois (IL) Rank #16 of 50

Investment Banker Salary in Illinois

The median investment banker salary in Illinois is $131,300 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $130,000.

Median Salary
$131,300
vs National
+$1,300
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Investment Banker Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for investment banker compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for investment banker pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $131,300 per year, investment bankers in Illinois earn $1,300 more than the national median of $130,000.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning investment banker salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: investment bankers at the 10th percentile earn $75,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $323,200 — a $247,450 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $148,200.

Nationally, investment banker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for investment bankers across the country.

Investment Banker Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level investment banker earns around $80,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $303,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,800
+$800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,350
+$1,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$303,000
+$3,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $75,750
25th Percentile $95,950
Median (50th) $131,300
75th Percentile $212,100
90th Percentile $323,200

Investment Banker Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for investment bankers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Investment Banker in Illinois

Education

Most investment banker positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ModelingValuationM&AExcelPowerPointDue Diligence

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, investment banker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Investment Banker Salary in Illinois

How much does a Investment Banker make in Illinois? ▼
The median investment banker salary in Illinois is $131,300 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $75,750 (10th percentile) to $323,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Investment Banker make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,300, a investment banker in Illinois earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for investment bankers? ▼
Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for investment banker pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level investment bankers earn $80,800, while senior professionals earn $303,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for investment banker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for investment bankers is Hawaii at $221,000. Illinois's median of $131,300 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($137,800) and Colorado ($136,500).
What is the entry-level investment banker salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level investment banker in Illinois earns approximately $80,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $136,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $303,000.
What city in Illinois pays investment bankers the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for investment bankers, with a median salary of $148,200. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.