Robert W. Baird Analyst & Associate Salary
Complete compensation breakdown for investment banking professionals at Robert W. Baird, including base salary, bonuses, and total compensation at every level.
Last updated April 2026 · By the Superday AI editorial team
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Analysis
Robert W. Baird pays first-year analysts a $100,000 base plus a roughly $7.5K signing bonus and a $52K-$80K year-end bonus, for total first-year compensation of about $173K-$208K in 2026.
Key facts
- First-year analysts earn a $100,000 base salary, a roughly $7.5K signing bonus, and a $52K-$80K year-end bonus.
- First-year analyst total compensation is about $173K-$208K in 2026.
- Second-year analysts move to a $115,000 base with total comp of $177K-$205K, and third-years reach a $125,000 base with total comp of $195K-$225K.
- First-year associates earn a $155,000 base, a $35,000 signing bonus, and a $75K-$115K year-end bonus, for total comp of $265K-$305K.
- Baird pays in line with Piper Sandler and William Blair in the middle market tier and below Jefferies.
Base & Bonus
First-year analysts start at a $100,000 base salary plus a roughly $7.5K signing bonus, with a $14K-$21K stub bonus and a $52K-$80K year-end bonus. Base pay sits at the industry standard, and bonuses are competitive within the middle market tier, though they generally fall below bulge bracket levels. The bonus structure reflects both individual performance and overall firm results.
Total Compensation
First-year analyst total compensation lands at about $173K-$208K in 2026. Pay scales steadily: second-year analysts reach $177K-$205K on a $115,000 base, and third-years reach $195K-$225K on a $125,000 base. First-year associates earn $265K-$305K, built on a $155,000 base and a $35,000 signing bonus. Analysts also receive overtime pay.
How It Compares
Baird pays in line with Piper Sandler and William Blair in the middle market tier and below Jefferies. Relative to its middle market peers, compensation is solidly competitive, and the firm has been proactive about keeping pay in step with market movements. Work-life balance and employee ownership add long-term value beyond base pay metrics.
What Drives Pay
Employee ownership shapes Baird's pay: the firm avoids the dramatic compensation swings seen at some publicly traded banks, and its bonus culture rewards consistent excellence over one-off heroics. The Midwest cost of living advantage is significant, since an analyst salary in Milwaukee or Chicago stretches considerably further than the same pay in Manhattan. The employee-owned culture also supports stronger mentorship and exceptionally high retention.
Analyst Compensation
First-year analysts at Robert W. Baird earn a base salary of $100,000 with a year-end bonus of $NaN - $NaN, bringing total first-year compensation to approximately $NaN - $NaN. Second-year analysts earn approximately $NaN - $NaN total comp, rising to $NaN - $NaN in the third year.
| Level | Base Salary | Year-End Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst 1 | $100,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
| Analyst 2 | $115,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
| Analyst 3 | $125,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
* Stub bonus of $NaN - $NaN may apply for analysts starting mid-year.
Associate Compensation
| Level | Base Salary | Year-End Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate 1 | $155,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
| Associate 2 | $170,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
How Robert W. Baird Compares
Baird pays in line with Piper Sandler and William Blair in the middle market tier, below Jefferies but with superior work-life balance and employee ownership creating meaningful long-term value beyond base pay metrics.
Benefits & Perks
Meals & Transportation
Dinner ordering for late nights, car service after 9pm in major cities
Robert W. Baird Compensation Overview
Robert W. Baird's compensation reflects its employee-owned structure and Midwestern culture emphasizing sustainability, integrity, and long-term relationship building. The firm balances competitive middle market pay with exceptional quality of life and a collaborative work environment. Analysts benefit from the firm's employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which provides wealth-building opportunities beyond cash compensation. Baird's sector strength in healthcare, technology, industrials, and consumer creates robust deal flow and analyst development opportunities. The firm's culture prioritizes reasonable hours (typically 60-75 per week) and professional development over pure compensation maximization, attracting candidates who value sustainable career paths. Bonuses reflect group performance and individual contribution, with the firm's conservative financial management ensuring consistent compensation even during market downturns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total compensation for a first-year analyst at Robert W. Baird?
First-year analysts at Robert W. Baird earn a base salary of $100,000 with a year-end bonus of $NaN - $NaN, bringing total compensation to approximately $NaN - $NaN.
How do Robert W. Baird bonuses compare to other Middle Market banks?
Baird pays in line with Piper Sandler and William Blair in the middle market tier, below Jefferies but with superior work-life balance and employee ownership creating meaningful long-term value beyond base pay metrics.
Does Robert W. Baird pay overtime?
Yes, Robert W. Baird does pay overtime to eligible analysts, which can meaningfully increase total compensation.
More Robert W. Baird Resources
Sources
- Robert W. Baird - Careers. Robert W. Baird (accessed 2026-05-14)
- Johnson Associates - Compensation Reports. Johnson Associates (accessed 2026-05-14)
- Wall Street Bonus Pool to Grow as Bank Revenue Boosted by Rally (2025). Bloomberg (accessed 2026-05-14)