Pacific Northwest - Seattle/Portland

Sup boys.

Working at a BB right now, just entered analyst 2 stage. Seeing if anyone works in high finance in the PNW and can offer some insight as to how recruiting is, how the firms are, and how the culture in the area is. I've recently visited Seattle multiple times and loved it - although not a huge fan on the political stance most people have, but whatever. Same with Portland, but I have not been there although I heard it is pretty cool.

I'm open to working in high finance in any capacity, not set on PE strictly. Although open to PE, REPE, CorpStrat/BusDev, and perhaps HFs.

Thanks fellas

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Seattle has satellite offices for GS and BMO, and Cascadia Capital, Meridian Capital, and D.A Davidson  are the only other notable banks. Lots of tech VC and CorpStrat/BusDev opportunities. IMO it's not worth it to live there if you're in finance. The culture is very different than NY/LA/Chicago, people don't know what banking is and all the smart people are in tech. You will get paid below street, still have a very HCOL, and limited career opportunities. 

The upside is it's the best city for proximity to outdoors, but I would easily take SF over Seattle, as the outdoors are nearly as good there and you have real opportunities in finance. 

Politically, Seattle is very similar to SF. You should consider Denver if that's an issue, still very liberal but more reasonable. 

I can't think of a single reason why you would live in Portland over Seattle. 

SF > Vancouver BC > Seattle > Denver >>>> Portland 

 

Seriously some of the worst cities for dating / social life out there. Go to LA / San Diego / Denver if you want to enjoy the outdoors but also have a career

Array
 

Quod beatae autem dolorem dicta. Expedita vero unde sapiente veniam fugit consequuntur.

Et quia occaecati beatae excepturi praesentium voluptatem. Suscipit et dolores earum quia accusantium nihil est fuga. Magni quae aperiam qui nemo ea soluta in. Beatae quia blanditiis quibusdam enim similique earum. Aspernatur ad omnis excepturi qui. Atque quod mollitia voluptatibus id ipsam.

Quis aliquid cumque eligendi libero expedita error perspiciatis. Enim et modi doloremque voluptatem nihil odit. Qui nulla voluptatem voluptatem voluptate.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • 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 98.9%
  • 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 (73) $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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”