Investment banking associates at Barclays earn very high salaries, often higher than associates at many other banks. However, they also work extremely long hours. In recent years, Barclays associates make $325,000 – $500,000 in total compensation. Base salaries are around $150,000, with bonuses making up the majority of total comp. Bonuses heavily depend on individual and firm performance. Associates routinely work 80-100 hour weeks and constant travel. Work-life balance is very poor. However, exit opportunities are excellent after a few years in this role.
Barclays IB associates have base salaries around $150,000
According to online sources, the base salary for a Barclays investment banking associate is approximately $150,000. This base is similar to peer banks like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan. The base provides a level of security, but the majority of compensation comes from bonuses.
Bonuses raise total comp to $325k – $500k+, but depend on performance
Bonuses represent 50-70% of total compensation for Barclays associates. In good years, bonuses can be $300,000 or higher. However, bonuses heavily depend on individual performance, team performance, and overall firm performance. In bad years, bonuses can be far lower or even zero. The discretionary nature of bonuses leads to high variability in total compensation.
Work hours are routinely 80-100 per week
Barclays investment banking associates work extremely long hours, often 80-100 hours per week. Weekends and holidays provide little relief. Associates take on high workloads and must be available 24/7 for time-sensitive deals and client requests. The constant travel also wears people down over time.
Lifestyle is challenging but exit opportunities are good
The combination of high pay and terrible work-life balance leads many Barclays associates to exit after 2-3 years. However, they exit to jobs at private equity funds, hedge funds, corporate development roles, top MBA programs, or other desirable opportunities. This makes the short term pain worthwhile for some.
In summary, Barclays IB associates earn $325k – $500k+ but work 80-100 hour weeks. Bonuses are the majority of total compensation but depend heavily on performance. Work-life balance is extremely poor. However, associates have great exit opportunities after their tenure.