How much does an Equity Research Analyst make?

The average salary for an Equity Research Analyst is $114,389 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 725 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Equity Research Analyst employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Equity Research Analyst in United States is $151,717 per year.

The lowest salary for an Equity Research Analyst in United States is $87,334 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Equity Research Analyst or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Equity Research Analyst.

Equity research analysts often earn pay in the six-figure range, higher than that of other financial analysts but below that of investment banking analysts and the most successful traders. Financial services firms, such as Wall Street banks, typically split pay between an annual salary and a performance-based bonus. Hours are often longer than a 40-hour work week, but firms typically compensate the travel and meal costs during overtime.

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An equity research analyst salary is often a starting point. You might also receive commissions, performance bonuses, stock options, and profit-sharing perks — which can add $28,127.62 annually. Glassdoor finds that with these additional payments, 77% of analysts report that they're satisfied with their salary.

For people just starting on the equity research analyst career path, salaries can be as low as $68,544.48 or as high as $193,905.58, with an average of $86,251.32. Earning advanced degrees, financial certifications, and government licenses can often help you secure a salary increase. Most companies pay more as you gain experience and move into senior equity research analyst positions.

Continuing education is a standard way to increase your salary as an equity research analyst. If you have a bachelor's degree, consider going back to school for a master's in business administration, finance, economics, statistics, or accounting. Many companies also offer higher salaries to analysts who have a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter or a financial securities license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

It's also a good idea to cultivate skills that are essential for equity research analysts, including writing research reports, making financial projections, and working with valuation models.

In the securities industry, experience is often your biggest advantage in a negotiation. Talk up your past equity research analyst jobs at buy-side and sell-side firms, and give a few career highlights related to investment recommendations or portfolio growth. Use your advanced degrees, FINRA license, or CFA designation as proof of your expertise.

Another option is to explain how your professional habits and skills will boost company profits. Discuss how you track financial news and trends religiously to make better investment recommendations, for example, or mention your network of high-level executives and investors.

About 76.64% of Equity Research Analyst professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $28,128 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of an Equity Research Analyst in United States as a good salary.

Equity Research Analyst professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $68,544 and $193,906 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $114,379 following the average career path of an Equity Research Analyst.