Wall Street bonuses hit an all-time record in 2025 - but the outlook for 2026 is already darkening | Fortune
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Wall Street bonuses hit an all-time record in 2025 - but the outlook for 2026 is already darkening | Fortune
"Wall Street saw strong performance for much of last year, despite all of the ongoing domestic and international upheavals. When Wall Street does well, it's good for our state and city budgets."
"The average securities industry salary in New York City rose 7.3% to $505,677 in 2024, including bonuses - the second-highest on record and nearly five times the average salary in the rest of the city's private sector."
"Bonuses alone made up roughly 42% of all industry wages, highlighting the significant role they play in overall compensation within the sector."
"However, industry headcount fell to 198,200 in 2025 from a 30-year high of 201,500 in 2024, indicating potential challenges ahead for job growth."
In 2025, Wall Street's bonus pool hit a record $49.2 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year, with average bonuses rising to $246,900. The industry achieved pre-tax profits of $65.1 billion, up over 30% from 2024. Strong trading, underwriting, and asset-management fees contributed to these gains. However, when adjusted for inflation, the peak bonus pool remains lower than in 2006. The industry significantly impacts New York's economy, accounting for over 20% of city activity and generating substantial tax revenue, despite a decline in headcount.
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