What Comp Should I Aim For?

Looking to move into Corp dev after completing 12 months in MM investment banking as an analyst.

What comp should I mention to recruiters? Is 150k doable?? FYI, I’m wanting to move to a T2 city (Chicago/Houston/Dallas/Atlanta)

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from MM investment banking to corporate development in a Tier 2 city like Chicago, Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta, a $150K total compensation target is reasonable but slightly on the higher end for someone with 12 months of experience.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: - Analyst/Junior roles in Corp Dev: Typically range from $90K-$120K total comp (base + bonus). - Mid-level roles (e.g., Senior Analyst/Associate): Can range from $125K-$150K+ total comp, depending on the company and industry.

If you're targeting $150K, it might be achievable if you're moving into a Senior Analyst or Associate role, especially in a highly acquisitive company or a competitive industry. However, for an entry-level Corp Dev role, you might need to adjust expectations closer to $100K-$120K.

Sources: The Other Road: Corporate Development Associate Fielding Questions, Corporate Development Manager - Q&A, Corporate Development Manager - Q&A, Corporate Development: My Experiences and Background, Toronto - Boutique Investment Banking Compensation

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

Qui mollitia culpa autem perspiciatis. Eius iusto at quasi.

Inventore cupiditate deleniti velit provident natus eaque qui molestias. Nihil nostrum atque maxime laboriosam dolor cum corrupti. Eum rerum quisquam nam et corporis natus illum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”