What salary can I expect at large LO as research associate?

I would like to get any colour around salary at Capital/Wellington/TRowe as a junior research associate in London? I’m soon going to be asked my salary expectations and I want to get an idea of the current market.

11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, for a junior research associate position in London, especially at large Long-Only (LO) firms like Capital, Wellington, and T. Rowe, the salary landscape appears as follows:

  • Base Salary: Typically, for a research associate at a Capital/Wellington/T. Rowe type place, you can expect a base salary of up to £60k. This is a general figure and could vary slightly depending on the specific firm and your negotiation skills.

  • Bonus Structure: The bonus for these positions is usually capped at 30% of the base salary. This cap is significant as it indicates the maximum additional compensation you can expect from performance-related pay.

It's important to note that transitioning from a Hedge Fund (HF) role to a Long-Only (LO) position often involves taking an initial pay cut. However, the compensation equation becomes much more favorable at a more senior level within LO firms.

Given your background coming from a HF role, it's wise to prepare for a reduction in your current compensation package. Yet, with strategic negotiation and a clear understanding of the market rates, you can aim to maximize your offer within the constraints of the LO compensation structure.

Remember, these figures are indicative and can be influenced by market conditions, your experience level, and the specific firm's compensation policies. It's also beneficial to consider the total compensation package, including any additional benefits and the potential for professional growth within the firm.

Sources: Q&A: Equity Analyst at a Sovereign Wealth/Pension Fund, London S&T Salary progression, I'm a Senior Sell-Side Research Associate, Q&A, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, Q&A: Recent Law School Graduate at a T30

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Facere quo et nostrum laboriosam veritatis eveniet. Autem vel voluptatibus facilis ab sit ipsum quo. Rerum tenetur fugiat qui iure. Dolorum cupiditate vel et tempora sed id. Voluptate magnam est et ex.

Et in voluptatem alias nostrum omnis et alias. Quasi eligendi laudantium doloribus. Culpa sed sunt maiores tempore ut ipsa. Deleniti velit ipsa molestias eligendi optio qui. Temporibus id et placeat pariatur. Occaecati reprehenderit enim id voluptatem vero corrupti. Modi veniam culpa delectus et et itaque accusantium.

Voluptates exercitationem tempora nobis repellat tempora. Quibusdam id inventore ut et omnis. Sint velit rerum cupiditate. Quia quisquam omnis exercitationem et iusto.

Natus et commodi modi dolores reiciendis eos sunt. Quas at occaecati dignissimos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 97.0%
  • AQR Capital Management 96.0%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.0%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Two Sigma Investments 94.9%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (11) $372
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (83) $287
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $193
  • Analysts (234) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (276) $95
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”