Finding and landing a high-paying job is a goal for many professionals.
In this article, we'll analyze commercial banking analyst salaries to uncover the most lucrative roles and pathways in this competitive field.
You'll see national salary ranges based on experience level and education, discover which companies and regions offer the highest pay, and learn key takeaways to guide your career search and salary negotiations.
Introduction to Commercial Banking Analyst Salaries
Commercial banking analysts play a critical role in supporting business banking teams and operations. Their key responsibilities include conducting financial modeling and data analysis to assess risk, guide lending decisions, and identify business opportunities. Understanding the factors that impact commercial banking analyst salaries can help those considering careers in this field.
Defining the Commercial Banking Analyst Role
Commercial banking analysts typically have the following core responsibilities:
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Build models to analyze clients' financial statements and cash flows
- Conduct ratio analysis to assess liquidity, leverage, profitability, and risk
- Data analysis and visualization
- Analyze trends in portfolios and lending activities
- Create visualizations and reports for stakeholders
- Risk management
- Research and evaluate risk factors for loan portfolios
- Support allowance calculation and stress testing
- Business support
- Underwrite loan requests from business banking teams
- Provide recommendations on deals and opportunities
The role requires skills in Excel modeling, data analysis software, financial analysis, writing, and communication. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related quantitative field.
Average National Salary Ranges
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a commercial banking analyst in the U.S. ranges from $59,000 for an entry-level analyst to $108,00 for an experienced analyst or senior analyst. Common pay factors include:
- Experience: Entry-level 1-3 years earns ~$59K. Mid-level 4-6 years earns ~$79K. Senior 7+ years earns ~$108K.
- Education: Bachelor's degree; some banks require or prefer Master's degrees.
- Skills/Certifications: Excel, accounting, CFA, FRM, or credit training.
- Industry: Commercial banking salaries tend to be 10-20% higher than other banking roles.
- Region: New York, San Francisco, and Chicago offer highest salaries (~15% above national average).
Bonuses can add 10-30% onto base pay depending on performance. Overall compensation can reach $140K-160K for senior analysts in top metro regions.
Educational Background and Salaries
Associate's vs. Bachelor's Degrees
Those with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related business fields typically start at higher salaries than those with just an associate's degree. According to PayScale data, the average starting salary for someone with an associate's degree working as a commercial banking analyst is around $41,000, while those with bachelor's degrees average closer to $47,000.
Over time, the salary potential also grows faster for analysts with 4-year degrees. While associate's degree holders may max out around $65,000, bachelor's degree analysts can reach $95,000 and up later in their careers as they take on more responsibility. The additional years of education provide greater knowledge and skills that translate to higher compensation.
Graduate Degrees (MBA/MSF) Impact
Pursuing a master's degree like an MBA or Master's in Finance (MSF) can provide good ROI for commercial banking analysts in terms of salary boosts. Starting compensation for master's degree holders averages nearly $60,000 - around 25% higher than bachelor's level analysts.
Later career salaries also get a bump from graduate school. PayScale indicates the average later career pay for MBA/MSF-educated analysts reaches up to $125,000 - 30% higher than those without advanced credentials. The advanced analytical, financial, and leadership skills gained in these programs are highly valued and rewarded in commercial banking roles.
However, graduate degrees require a significant investment of both money and time. Analysts should consider their long-term career aspirations and whether the salary bump sufficiently offsets costs before deciding if an MBA or MSF is worthwhile. Some gain equivalent knowledge and experience through workplace training programs at a lower overall investment.
Experience Levels and Career Progression
Entry-Level (0-2 Years)
Entry-level commercial banking analysts typically start with base salaries between $50,000-$65,000. Total compensation can range from $65,000-$85,000 when factoring in bonuses.
Within the first 1-2 years, analysts focus on building core finance skills through training programs and on-the-job experience. Key responsibilities include financial modeling, credit analysis, portfolio monitoring, and preparing client presentations.
Promotions and pay increases often happen on an annual review cycle. Exceptional analysts may see faster progression. After 2 years, high performers could expect to earn around $75,000 base and $95,000 total compensation.
Mid-Level (5+ Years)
After 5+ years of experience, mid-level commercial banking analysts may earn $90,000-$110,000 in base salary, with total comp between $120,000-$140,000. More senior titles include AVP, VP, SVP depending on the bank.
In additional to honing technical skills, mid-career analysts take on more client interactions, business development initiatives, and leadership of small teams. Mentoring junior staff is also an important responsibility.
At this level, equity like stock options or RSUs may compose 10-20% of total pay. Geographic location and individual performance impact compensation as well.
Overall, a continuous learner mindset, business acumen, communication abilities, and leadership presence set apart mid-career standouts. Gaining expertise within a particular lending vertical or product can also boost career advancement.
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Commercial Banking Industry Salaries
Analyzing median analyst salaries across different commercial banking institutions, including large national banks, regional banks, and boutique firms.
Bulge Bracket Investment Banks
Salary and bonus benchmarks for analysts at top-tier global banks with large commercial arms (Goldman, JPMorgan, Citi, etc.).
Commercial banking analysts at bulge bracket banks earn some of the highest salaries in the industry, often exceeding $100,000 in total first-year compensation. Base salaries typically range from $70,000 to $85,000, with performance bonuses adding another $20,000 to $40,000.
As analysts gain more experience, base pay usually increases to $90,000+ by year 3, with total compensation reaching $140,000 or more factoring in bonuses.
The largest banks offer the highest pay, driven by their scale, profitability, and competitive positioning. For example, a second-year commercial banking analyst at JPMorgan or Citi likely earns 10-20% more than peers at smaller bulge bracket banks.
Regional and Community Banks
How salaries for similar analyst roles compare at smaller regional and community banks vs. Wall Street institutions.
While regional and community banks cannot match the compensation power of Wall Street, salaries are still strong for commercial banking analysts compared to other industries.
Base salaries often fall in the $60,000 to $75,000 range for entry-level analysts, lagging behind the bulge brackets by $10,000+ on average. Bonuses also tend to be smaller, frequently capped at 20% of base pay.
However, cost of living and lifestyle factors make positions at regional banks attractive for some analysts, especially those based outside of high-expense metro areas. Geographic pay adjustments may also help offset lower nominal salaries.
Proximity to clients and greater responsibility earlier in one's career are other potential advantages of working for a smaller institution. But ultimately, analysts at elite global banks continue to earn higher total compensation on average.
Geographic Location Factors
Geographic location can have a significant impact on commercial banking analyst salaries. Major factors that influence salary variation across metro areas include:
New York & San Francisco
As major financial hubs, New York and San Francisco offer some of the highest base salaries for commercial banking analysts in the country. However, the high cost of living in these cities reduces real income:
- Average base salaries range from $85,000-$95,000 for entry-level analysts
- After adjusting for taxes and cost of living, real incomes are comparable to analysts in lower cost cities
- Significant salary premiums compared to other locations due to high demand for talent
While the nominal salaries may seem appealing, analysts should factor in higher rents, taxes, and other expenses that will cut into their real spending power in high cost cities.
Emerging Tech Hubs
As fintech companies expand into new metro areas, they are creating talent clusters that can increase pay for some roles:
- Cities like Austin, Denver, Seattle attracting top tech and finance talent
- Early-stage companies offering equity and bonuses to lure analysts
- Established banks boosting pay to compete with tech companies for analysts
- Lower costs of living increases appeal of analyst salaries in these cities
However, these emerging hubs have smaller talent pools so far. Analysts may have fewer opportunities to advance their careers or switch jobs locally after a few years. Roles with big national banks may offer better long-term prospects.
Key Takeaways and Summary Points
Recap of the most salient insights on salaries for aspiring or current commercial banking analysts at different career stages.
Highest-Paying Industries and Roles
Quick comparison of median base, bonus, and total comp across different types of banks and analyst sub-specialties.
- Investment banks tend to pay the highest, with median total compensation around $85,000 for first-year analysts
- Commercial banks also offer strong compensation packages, averaging around $65,000 for entry-level roles
- Analysts specializing in M&A, equity research, or fixed income trading see the highest bonuses and overall pay
Experience Matters Most Early On
Analysis of how much prior internships and rotations boost entry-level full-time salary offers.
- Completing 1-2 internships in commercial banking can increase an analyst's starting salary offer by $5,000-$10,000
- Rotational programs allow analysts to gain broader expertise, making them more valuable hires later on
- Each year of relevant experience correlates with approximately a 5% higher salary in the first 5 years
Gaining practical experience through internships and rotational programs provides the biggest payoff early in a commercial banking analyst's career. Specializing in high-paying areas like M&A also leads to larger compensation packages.
