I’m due for a large bonus in March, should I ask for a raise now or after bonus?

Hi fellow monkeys,I'm due for a ~$150k cash bonus come March.

I've come to realize that I am currently under comped (base) by 35-45k/ yr.

Should I ask for a raise now, or wait until I collect my juicy dollars in March and then ask for my raise?

Only problem with waiting until I get paid is that I will likely accept a new job with higher pay for start n March instead of hoping they just bring me up to market.

I guess I'm worried that if I ask for a raise, albeit respectively, it could negatively effect my standing with my boss.

That being said, I can't believe I'm such a puss. However, $150k is a lot for me right now.I appreciate your advice.

13 Comments
 

Only problem with waiting until I get paid is that I will likely accept a new job with higher pay for start n March instead of hoping they just bring me up to market.

 

Candidly, you won’t get a bonus if you indicate you have better comp elsewhere as they will expect you to jump ship - assuming this is the type of shop that will pay you that much under for base without being open to bumping it up.

I would accept the new offer and push for a larger bonus without mentioning your new offer. 150k bonus for Aso 1 is not bad at all. Remember that most bankers are probs not getting a large bonus this year so you may be closer to market than you think this year.

More than that, you will have optionality to stay or go. Best of luck!

 

It's such a stupid system. If this process was transparent and of integrity it would be so beneficial for both parties. I unfortunately agree. That being said, what if my current firm gives me a crazy counter? I would hate to reneg on somebody who was nice enough to wait for me to get my bonus.

 

Edit:

-

I understand the desire to be upfront and hope for the best outcome, but once you show your cards, you can’t take it back. If you indicate that you would consider leaving, you’ll be second place for all things pertaining to upward mobility and your firm is likely not going to pay you bonus and may even try and replace you - that’s irregardless of whether they go with the raise in the short term.

-

Candidly, they were also nice enough to underpay in the first place. If bringing up another offer is the only way they pay you properly, is this really a place you want to stay in?

 
Most Helpful

Consequatur in ipsa expedita architecto aut. Aspernatur eum illo cupiditate sed quasi vel et. Non qui aut est et eius architecto. Assumenda perspiciatis id aut sint voluptatem iste. Quia eaque itaque facilis dolor omnis. Laboriosam iusto sed fugiat doloremque amet.

Mollitia velit quasi temporibus voluptatem in. Ad et vitae porro voluptatem accusantium aut dignissimos maxime. Sint tempora animi illo nihil voluptate. Placeat iure numquam velit excepturi corporis aperiam dicta. Molestiae corrupti nesciunt voluptatem facilis. Reprehenderit ut est et consequuntur iure molestias velit.

Quo quis ut tempore qui possimus. Ullam minus ipsam voluptatibus. Adipisci esse repellendus delectus quisquam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (356) $61
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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”