If you want to secure a high-paying career in investment banking, the right education, experience, skills, and strategic networking all play a role. So does knowing where to aim—some banks offer significantly higher pay packages than others.
While big names such as Bank of America and Barclays are known for strong compensation, boutique firms can be just as competitive. Salary and bonus levels continue to rise across much of the sector, though not all firms are keeping pace—and some have slipped in popularity as a result.
We count down the 15 best-paying investment banks, based on new data from eFinancialCareers. The rankings draw on more than 2,500 responses from financial services professionals across roles, geographies, and institutions.
Highest paying investment banks
15. HSBC
HSBC reported average salaries of $138k and bonuses of $75k—placing it at the lower end of this year’s list, though bonuses did increase 17% compared to the previous year. Under new CEO Georges Elhedery, the bank has announced a shift away from investment banking in the Americas and parts of Europe.
14. NatWest
NatWest’s bonus pool rose by 42% in 2024, reaching an average of $77k. While average compensation—including a $149k salary—remains on the lower end compared to others in the ranking, the sharp bonus rise points to encouraging signs for future pay growth.
13. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs, consistently ranked among the world’s most prestigious banks, reported average salaries of $144k and bonuses of $119k in this year’s survey. While the firm drops from first to 13th in total compensation, it remains a globally respected name with enduring appeal for MBA graduates.
12. BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas remains one of Europe’s most prominent financial institutions, with reported average salaries of $161k and bonuses of $174k. While its compensation ranked below some of its global peers, the bank continues to attract top talent across international markets.
11. JP Morgan
JP Morgan—the investment banking arm of JP Morgan Chase & Co.—reported a 2% drop in average bonuses compared to 2024. It was the only bank in the ranking where respondents reported an overall decline in bonus figures.
Bonuses came in at $115k on average, while salaries at the American stalwart remained healthy, at an average of $161k.
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10. Santander
A modest 0.5% bonus increase may help explain Santander’s lower ranking, despite an average salary of $156k. In recent years, the Spanish bank launched a $250 million fund to expand its investment banking operations, hiring extensively—with many of those new hires reportedly on fixed bonuses.
9. Citigroup
After placing second last year, Citi drops to ninth in this year’s ranking—despite offering an average salary of $200k and a 36% bonus increase.
8. Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank performed well again this year, with average salaries of $204k and bonuses of $125k. These figures align with broader trends among European bankers, where the EU bonus cap tends to limit the proportion of variable compensation.
7. Barclays
British multinational Barclays is often described as the most American-style investment bank in Europe, with a strong presence in the US market. Barclays employees reported average base salaries of $215,000 and average bonuses of $135,000.
6. Bank of America
Bank of America ranks as one of the top-paying firms according to eFinancialCareers, offering average base salaries of $227k—the second highest in the ranking behind Standard Chartered.
Bonuses averaged $155k, reflecting a 21% increase compared to the previous year.
5. USB Group
UBS Group, one of the world’s largest wealth managers, saw a 42% rise in average bonuses reported by respondents—helping it climb to fifth place in the ranking.
Bonuses averaged $186k, while base salaries came in at $209k.
4. Société Générale
Société Générale ranks among the top-paying banks in this year’s list, offering average salaries of $202k and bonuses of $200k. The French bank is also known for its commitment to work-life balance, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking strong compensation and a supportive culture.
Top 3 highest paying investment banks
3. Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley ranks as the second highest-paying bank in this year’s list, with average compensation of $456k—comprising a $219k salary and a $237k bonus. Known for its prestige and global influence, the firm also reported a 20% increase in average bonuses compared to last year.
2. Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered ranks as the highest-paying bank outside of the US investment banking giants. It offers the highest average base salary among respondents at $238k, along with the third-highest bonuses at $235k—placing it firmly near the top of this year’s compensation list.
1. Boutique banks
Boutique investment banks—including firms such as Evercore, Lazard, and Moelis—topped the compensation rankings this year. Respondents at these firms reported the highest bonuses and the largest year-on-year bonus increase at 43.5%. Total average compensation at boutique banks reached $494k, making them the highest-paying employers in the survey.
