Lincoln International Analyst & Associate Salary
Complete compensation breakdown for investment banking professionals at Lincoln International, including base salary, bonuses, and total compensation at every level.
Last updated April 2026 · By the Superday AI editorial team
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$100,000
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Analysis
Lincoln International pays first-year analysts a $100,000 base plus a roughly $7K signing bonus and a $50K-$78K year-end bonus, putting total first-year compensation at about $171K-$205K in 2026.
Key facts
- First-year analysts earn a $100,000 base salary plus a roughly $7K signing bonus.
- First-year analyst year-end bonuses run $50K-$78K, for total first-year comp of about $171K-$205K in 2026.
- First-year associates earn a $150,000 base, a $32,000 signing bonus, and a $72K-$110K year-end bonus, for total comp of $254K-$292K.
- Analyst base salaries progress from $100,000 in year one to $115,000 in year two and $125,000 in year three.
- Lincoln pays in the middle of the middle market tier, comparable to Piper Sandler and William Blair but below Jefferies and Houlihan Lokey.
Base & Bonus
First-year analysts earn a $100,000 base salary, in line with the industry standard, plus a roughly $7K signing bonus. Year-end bonuses range from $50K to $78K and are competitive with other leading middle market banks. The bonus is discretionary and tied to individual performance, group revenue, and overall firm results.
Total Compensation
Total first-year analyst compensation lands at about $171K-$205K in 2026. Analyst pay climbs as base salaries move from $100,000 in year one to $115,000 in year two and $125,000 in year three. Progression from analyst to associate is meaningful and reflects the firm's commitment to internal development, with first-year associates reaching $254K-$292K in total comp.
How It Compares
Total compensation falls below elite boutique and bulge bracket levels. Within the middle market, Lincoln is competitive and has been increasing pay in line with market movements, sitting comparable to Piper Sandler and William Blair but below Jefferies and Houlihan Lokey. The Chicago headquarters and international offices offer cost of living advantages in many locations.
What Drives Pay
The firm's deal volume means analysts gain significantly more transaction experience than many peers, which translates into accelerated skill development and stronger exit positioning. Diversified revenue across M&A advisory and valuation services provides some compensation stability relative to pure M&A boutiques that are more sensitive to deal cycle fluctuations. Lincoln's global platform and valuation expertise add career development value on top of headline pay.
Analyst Compensation
First-year analysts at Lincoln International 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 | $150,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
| Associate 2 | $165,000 | $NaN - $NaN | $NaN - $NaN |
How Lincoln International Compares
Lincoln pays in the middle of the middle market tier, comparable to Piper Sandler and William Blair but below Jefferies and Houlihan Lokey. The firm's global platform and valuation expertise provide career development value.
Benefits & Perks
Meals & Transportation
Dinner expense reimbursement for late nights, car service in major cities after 9pm
Lincoln International Compensation Overview
Lincoln International's compensation reflects its position as a global middle market M&A advisory firm with expertise in valuations, capital markets, and strategic transactions. The firm balances competitive middle market pay with a culture emphasizing technical rigor, global deal experience, and long-term career development. Analysts benefit from working on complex cross-border transactions and gaining exposure to Lincoln's specialized valuation advisory practice. The firm's employee-owned structure creates alignment between junior bankers and firm performance, with compensation tied to deal flow and profitability. Lincoln's focus on middle market transactions provides analysts with significant client exposure and deal responsibility. The firm attracts candidates who value technical skill development, international experience, and sustainable career progression over maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total compensation for a first-year analyst at Lincoln International?
First-year analysts at Lincoln International earn a base salary of $100,000 with a year-end bonus of $NaN - $NaN, bringing total compensation to approximately $NaN - $NaN.
How do Lincoln International bonuses compare to other Middle Market banks?
Lincoln pays in the middle of the middle market tier, comparable to Piper Sandler and William Blair but below Jefferies and Houlihan Lokey. The firm's global platform and valuation expertise provide career development value.
Does Lincoln International pay overtime?
Yes, Lincoln International does pay overtime to eligible analysts, which can meaningfully increase total compensation.
More Lincoln International Resources
Sources
- Lincoln International - Careers. Lincoln International (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)