Trending Now - Wall Street Bonuses Surge to All-time High Amid Tax Talks
WHO:
Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller
Chris Connors, Managing Director at Johnson Associates
Tom DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller
Chris Connors, Managing Director at Johnson Associates
WHAT:
The S&P 500 index funds returned nearly 18% in 2025 and set a record high on December 24th, 2025.
Chris Connors stated, “I think 2025 was a great year, probably the best year since 2021 for many firms on Wall Street. Trading, in particular, had an exceptional year.”
The average bonus paid to employees of the securities industry in New York City was about $247,000 in 2025.
The average Wall Street bonus rose to a record $246,900 in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year.
Wall Street’s bonus pool reached a record $49.2 billion in 2025, up 9% from 2024.
Wall Street’s profits rose more than 30% in 2025, totaling $65.1 billion.
DiNapoli estimated that the 2025 bonuses would generate $199 million more in state income tax revenue and $91 million more for New York City compared to 2024.
WHERE:
New York City, New York
WHEN:
The data pertains to the year 2025.
The report was released on Thursday, March 26th, 2026.
WHY:
DiNapoli noted that while Wall Street saw strong performance, there are concerns about slower job growth and geopolitical conflicts that pose risks for the financial sector and broader economic markets.
The increases in bonuses and profits reflect strong performance on Wall Street despite domestic and international upheavals.
HOW:
Bonuses are a significant portion of pay for many professionals in the financial services industry, which relies heavily on incentives.
(UPDATED March 26, 2026 23:11 UTC)
The S&P 500 index funds achieved a remarkable return of nearly 18% in 2025, reaching a record high on December 24th of that year. Chris Connors, Managing Director at Johnson Associates, remarked that 2025 was likely the best year for many firms on Wall Street since 2021, highlighting exceptional performance in trading. However, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli cautioned that despite the strong performance, concerns about slower job growth and geopolitical conflicts could pose risks for the financial sector and the broader economy.
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(UPDATED March 26, 2026 21:10 UTC)
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Chris Connors, Managing Director at Johnson Associates, announced that the average bonus for employees in New York City's securities industry reached about $247,000 in 2025, marking a record high. Wall Street's bonus pool soared to $49.2 billion, driven by a more than 30% increase in profits, totaling $65.1 billion, despite ongoing domestic and international challenges. DiNapoli also estimated that these bonuses would contribute an additional $199 million in state income tax revenue and $91 million for New York City compared to the previous year.