Hey all,
I’m currently an alt data DS at >5B HF, part of their LS team. My base is $185 and I started interviewing other funds. I’m wondering what’s the comp expectation and trajectory for a mid-career (7+ yr) DS directly embedded in a LS pod in large HF? I will be part of the investment decision process. Assume NYC based only.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, compensation for a mid-career (7+ years) embedded data scientist in a large hedge fund (>5B AUM) in NYC can vary depending on the fund's structure, your role in the investment process, and your performance. However, here are some general insights:
Base Salary: Your current base of $185K is within the expected range, but it could potentially go higher, especially if you're directly involved in investment decisions. For mid-career professionals, base salaries can range from $180K to $250K+.
Bonus: Bonuses are a significant part of compensation in hedge funds. For someone embedded in a long/short (LS) pod and contributing to investment decisions, bonuses can range from 50% to 150% of the base salary, depending on fund performance and individual contribution.
Total Compensation: Total comp (base + bonus) for your role could realistically fall between $300K and $500K, with potential upside if you're at a top-performing fund or have a strong track record.
Trajectory: As you continue to grow in your role, your compensation trajectory will depend on your ability to drive alpha and contribute meaningfully to the investment process. Over time, you could see total comp exceeding $500K, especially if you transition into a more senior or decision-making role.
If you're interviewing with other funds, it's worth negotiating based on your direct involvement in investment decisions and the value you bring to the team.
Sources: Large hedge fund analyst compensation, Math PhD hedge fund role, Life decisions...buy-side equity analyst, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/hedge-fund/longevity-of-hedge-fund-analyst-career?customgpt=1, Q&A: Former Long/Short Research Analyst at Top HF -> VP of Growth Equities at BB
Have seen data scientists make $400k and have also seen them be some of a teams most highly comped members (several million). This isn't Mag7, there's no one number that steadily grows over time; it all depends on your teams performance, how much your PM relies on data in their process, how much value you generate, and whether you evolve over time to direct PnL attribution through pitching names and/or having standalone coverage.
Thx for sharing. Yeah that makes sense. You eat what you kill. I guess I’m also wondering what’s the industry average of the base and is it bad form to negotiate in this industry if there’s an offer. My last place rescinded an offer because the candidate was trying to push the base up a lot.
At the larger MM funds (ex some MLP teams/funds), base salary for a given position/title has a relatively narrow allowable range set directly by the firm; don't think anyone is going to pull an offer if you ask for a higher number but also doubt there is much flexibility over the first number they give you. For an embedded data scientist seat, I could see base going up to $200-225k but likely not higher.
Thanks so much for your insight here. This is exactly what I was looking for! It aligns with my experience that there’s not a lot of flexibility on the base rate offer.
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