The investment services industry plays a vital role in managing financial assets and providing advisory services for investors in the United States. With the growth of investment markets and asset management needs, the salary level of investment services professionals has increased steadily over the years. This article will analyze national salary data to explore compensation levels across major investment services occupations.
Portfolio managers earn high salaries in investment services
Portfolio managers have emerged as one of the top-paying investment services jobs in recent years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for portfolio managers was $147,530 in 2021. The highest 10% earned more than $208,000 annually. Portfolio managers working in the finance and investment sector earned an average salary of $153,460. The high compensation reflects the complex analytical and client management skills required for the role.
Financial analysts compensation reflects specialized expertise
Financial analysts who evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations to firms and clients earned robust salaries as well. The BLS reported an average salary of $103,020 for financial analysts in 2021. The top 10% of financial analysts made over $168,450 per year. Experienced analysts at top firms and those with specialized expertise in high-demand areas like fintech commanded the highest salaries.
Investment consultant salaries driven by credentials and experience
Investment consultants who advise clients on strategy and portfolio allocation earned average base salaries of $122,370 in 2021 as per BLS data. Consultants with top professional credentials like the CFA, CFP andSeries 66 licenses and senior-level experience at leading firms earned well over $200,000 in total compensation.
Investment banking salaries rising with deal flow
Within investment banks, front office professionals like corporate finance bankers who work on IPOs, M&A deals and other transactions earned strongly. First-year investment banking analysts earned base salaries around $85,000 – $90,000 at top banks, with bonuses bringing total first-year compensation to $125,000 or more in recent years as deal activity has soared.
Sales and trading salaries boosted by commissions
Investment services professionals in sales and trading roles who connect clients to investment products and opportunities also earned lucrative salaries. BLS data showed securities, commodities and financial services sales agents earning $107,170 on average in 2021. Top performers in sales and trading at leading Wall Street firms took home well over $500,000 in total compensation driven by high commissions and bonuses.
The investment services industry features attractive salary and earnings potential reflecting the expertise required across portfolio management, research, client advisory and deal execution roles. Professionals with in-demand skills and top credentials can earn over $200,000 annually at the highest levels.