Investment operations analysts are professionals who support investment management functions in financial services firms. Their core responsibilities include asset valuation, portfolio accounting, performance reporting, regulatory compliance and client services. The average salary for investment operations analysts in the US ranges from $60,000 to $100,000. Factors affecting compensation include location, firm size, experience level and professional certifications. With additional experience, investment analysts can advance to positions like senior analyst, team lead and vice president, with total compensation up to $200,000 or more. The highest earning potential exists at large asset management firms and top investment banks. Obtaining the CFA or CAIA credential also boosts salary prospects. Overall, operations roles offer stability and solid career opportunities in the financial industry.
Starting salaries around $60K to $80K for junior roles
Based on surveys by recruitment firms like Robert Half and Indeed, the typical starting salary range for junior investment operations analysts straight out of college is $60,000 to $80,000. Top students from target schools recruited by big banks or asset managers may earn closer to $80,000 or more in base salary. Smaller investment advisory firms tend to pay $60,000 to $70,000 for entry-level roles. The total compensation can be 20% to 50% higher when bonus and profit sharing are factored in. Major hubs like New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco will be on the high end compared to other regions.
Experience drives average pay up to around $100K
With 2 to 5 years of experience, investment operations analysts can expect average compensation around $80,000 to $100,000 or more, especially in high cost of living cities. Promotions to senior analyst or supervisor roles also boost pay. At this level, base salaries commonly fall in the $90,000 to $120,000 range. Bonuses are often 20% or higher on top of base pay. Operations professionals working for elite multi-billion dollar hedge funds or private equity firms can potentially earn over $150,000 total at this mid-career stage.
Advancement opportunities to $200K+ for experienced professionals
Operations veterans can reach total compensation of $150,000 to $200,000 or more. Promotions to team lead, group manager and eventually the vice president level bring higher pay at larger firms. At top investment banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, managing directors in operations can earn over $500,000. The path to senior management may take a decade or longer but opportunities exist for high performers. Obtaining credentials like the CFA, CAIA or CPA can also boost salary potential, as can specializing in highly technical areas like securities operations, collateral management or financial reporting.
Focus on large AM firms and top banks for greatest earnings
The biggest salaries within investment operations are found at large, brand name asset management complex like BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, Fidelity and T. Rowe Price. Multinational banks with sizable investment management divisions like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley also offer generous compensation for experienced operations professionals. At elite hedge funds and private equity firms, total pay can potentially reach over $300,000. Smaller regional firms tend to pay below industry averages. Look to New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and other major finance hubs for the most lucrative opportunities.
In summary, investment operations analysts can expect to earn between $60,000 to $100,000 on average, with top performers at leading firms advancing to over $200,000 total compensation. The highest salaries exist at large asset managers and top-tier investment banks, especially in major metro areas. Obtaining credentials like the CFA or CAIA also boosts earning potential.