2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, a "top bucket" analyst is typically the highest performing tier in an investment banking analyst ranking system. This ranking is not solely based on hard work or intelligence, but also involves factors such as the projects you're assigned to, the teams you work with, and a bit of luck.

If your organization uses a 4 tier scale, a top bucket analyst would likely be ranked as 1/1. However, it's important to note that the specifics can vary between different firms. Being a top bucket analyst often means you're in a position where you're given good opportunities, working with successful and positive teams, and performing well in your role.

Remember, it's not just about working the hardest, but also about navigating the organization, building strong professional relationships, and consistently delivering high-quality work.

Sources: Q&A: Consistent Top Bucket IB Analyst, Calling All Lower-Middle to Bottom Bucket Analysts: Why were you Bottom Bucket and Where are you now?, Bottom buckets: Where are you now?, How To Become A Top Bucket Analyst

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

Magni facilis et aut debitis. Nemo nobis ex quis natus voluptas culpa quis. Vel incidunt ipsa neque necessitatibus.

Quod et autem impedit numquam omnis. Est culpa commodi dolor earum aut. Voluptatibus laboriosam iste ratione. Praesentium cum fugit ad omnis nam excepturi. Ullam sint animi quae eum quibusdam.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”