FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Investment Banker Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$125,987/yr
Typical range: $112,674 – $149,034
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Investment Banker salary by experience level in Chicago
Investment Banker Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $125,987 | $10,499 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $162,564 | $13,547 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,658 | $15,805 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $228,402 | $19,034 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $329,192 | $27,433 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $447,864 | $37,322 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $477,532 | $39,794 | +279% |
Current Salary
$125,987
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$162,564
Junior · 2
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Investment Banker salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Investment Bankers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $126K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Investment Banker make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $126K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Investment Banker in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Investment Banker in Chicago, IL earns $277K–$366K/yr.