How much can I earn in my first year as a post MBA investment banking associate in the US right now?
First year post MBA investment banking associates in the US now typically earn a total of about $240,000 to $270,000, roughly $150,000 base plus bonus. In London and Europe, all in pay runs about £160,000 to £165,000, higher than older outside US estimates.
If investment banking is your target after an MBA, the pay is stronger than many older estimates suggest. In the US, first year post MBA associates now typically earn a total of about $240,000 to $270,000, built from a base near $150,000 plus bonus.
Current First Year Post MBA Investment Banking Pay
| Location | Typical First Year Total Pay |
|---|---|
| United States | $240,000 - $270,000 (base around $150,000 plus bonus) |
| London/Europe | About £160,000 - £165,000 all in (roughly $200,000 - $210,000) |
Why Location Changes Your Offer
Both US and European pay levels now run well above older figures that pegged outside US investment banking pay at around $100,000 to $110,000, so do not anchor your salary expectations to those outdated numbers when you evaluate an offer.
My Advice
Before you accept an investment banking offer outside the US, ask recruiters for the current all in figure rather than relying on general online estimates, since compensation in this field moves quickly. Always separate base pay from bonus when comparing offers across different countries.
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