Analyst → Associate → VP → MD. Bonuses dominate base — total comp can hit 7 figures.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Investment Bankers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $146,200 | $103,400 | $217,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $181,700 | $128,500 | $270,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $208,900 | $147,800 | $310,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $250,600 | $177,300 | $372,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $284,100 | $201,000 | $422,500 |
Top 10 states by median Investment Banker salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $344,700 | $261,900 | $448,100 | +65% |
| California | $313,300 | $238,100 | $407,300 | +50% |
| Connecticut | $302,900 | $230,200 | $393,800 | +45% |
| New Jersey | $292,400 | $222,300 | $380,200 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $292,400 | $222,300 | $380,200 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $271,600 | $206,400 | $353,000 | +30% |
| Washington | $271,600 | $206,400 | $353,000 | +30% |
| Illinois | $261,100 | $198,400 | $339,400 | +25% |
| Maryland | $250,700 | $190,500 | $325,900 | +20% |
| Texas | $250,700 | $190,500 | $325,900 | +20% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $177,600 | $134,900 | $230,800 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $175,500 | $133,400 | $228,100 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $175,500 | $133,400 | $228,100 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $175,500 | $133,400 | $228,100 | -16% |
| Alabama | $173,400 | $131,800 | $225,400 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $173,400 | $131,800 | $225,400 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $167,100 | $127,000 | $217,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $167,100 | $127,000 | $217,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $162,900 | $123,800 | $211,800 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $162,900 | $123,800 | $211,800 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal Investment Banker salary report →