LionTree Analyst & Associate Salary
Complete compensation breakdown for investment banking professionals at LionTree, including base salary, bonuses, and total compensation at every level.
Figures re-verified July 2026 against 2025-26 bonus-cycle data · By the Superday AI editorial team
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$110,000
$195,000 - $235,000
$410,000 - $460,000
Analysis
LionTree pays first-year analysts an estimated $195K to $235K in total 2025-26 compensation, with merchant banking upside setting its platform apart from pure advisory boutiques.
Key facts
- First-year analysts earn a $110,000 base salary plus a $10,000 signing bonus.
- Estimated first-year year-end bonuses run $75K to $115K, putting total first-year compensation at roughly $195K to $235K in the 2025-26 cycle.
- Second-year analysts move to a $125,000 base with estimated total comp of $215K to $255K, and third-years to a $135,000 base with $235K to $275K.
- First-year associates earn a $190,000 base, a $60,000 signing bonus, and $160K to $210K year-end bonuses for $410K to $460K total.
- LionTree pays overtime; comp disclosures are limited, so reported ranges should be read as directional.
Base & Bonus
First-year analysts start at a $110,000 base salary plus a $10,000 signing bonus. Year-end bonuses are estimated at $75K to $115K — verifiable submissions are limited, so treat the range as directional. The base climbs to $125,000 in year two and $135,000 in year three, and the firm pays overtime.
Total Compensation
Total first-year compensation lands at an estimated $195K to $235K for the 2025-26 cycle — base plus signing plus the first full-year bonus. Year two totals an estimated $215K to $255K and year three reaches $235K to $275K. First-year associates earn $410K to $460K on a $190,000 base, a $60,000 signing bonus, and $160K to $210K year-end bonus, with second-year associates at $385K to $435K.
How It Compares
LionTree's estimated band overlaps top-tier elite boutiques like Moelis and PJT Partners, though verifiable disclosures are limited. If the estimates hold, pay runs ahead of most bulge brackets and other sector-focused boutiques, but it does not reach the verified top payers — Qatalyst and Centerview — among pure advisory firms.
What Drives Pay
Bonuses are discretionary, tied to overall firm performance and individual contribution. What sets LionTree apart is merchant banking investment upside, which can add financial benefits for more senior bankers beyond traditional advisory fees. Year-over-year consistency depends on media sector deal flow, which can be lumpy given the large-scale, transformative transactions LionTree typically advises on.
Analyst Compensation
First-year analysts at LionTree earn a base salary of $110,000 with a year-end bonus of $75,000 - $115,000, bringing total first-year compensation to approximately $195,000 - $235,000. Second-year analysts earn approximately $215,000 - $255,000 total comp, rising to $235,000 - $275,000 in the third year.
| Level | Base Salary | Year-End Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst 1 | $110,000 | $75,000 - $115,000 | $195,000 - $235,000 |
| Analyst 2 | $125,000 | $90,000 - $130,000 | $215,000 - $255,000 |
| Analyst 3 | $135,000 | $100,000 - $140,000 | $235,000 - $275,000 |
Methodology: year-1 totals are base + signing + first full-year bonus for the 2025-26 cycle, compiled from self-reported data (WSO bonus threads, H1B filings, Levels.fyi, Glassdoor). Bucket spread at the same bank can run $30-50K top to bottom; figures for firms with limited public disclosures, and year 2+ and associate rows, are directional estimates.
Associate Compensation
| Level | Base Salary | Year-End Bonus | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate 1 | $190,000 | $160,000 - $210,000 | $410,000 - $460,000 |
| Associate 2 | $205,000 | $180,000 - $230,000 | $385,000 - $435,000 |
How LionTree Compares
LionTree's estimated compensation overlaps upper elite-boutique territory alongside Moelis and PJT Partners, though verifiable disclosures are limited and reported ranges are directional. Merchant banking exposure differentiates the platform more than any documented pay premium.
Benefits & Perks
Meals & Transportation
Unlimited meal delivery, car service after 8pm, premium office amenities
LionTree Compensation Overview
LionTree's compensation structure reflects its hybrid advisory and merchant banking model, with junior bankers benefiting from the firm's focus on high-growth TMT sectors and founder-led companies. Comp figures for LionTree should be read as estimates — verifiable 2025-26 disclosures are limited, and reported ranges are directional. The firm's unique business model combining M&A advisory with principal investing creates upside potential beyond traditional banking compensation. Analysts work on transformative media, technology, and telecom transactions while gaining exposure to LionTree's merchant banking portfolio. The firm's culture emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking and long-term value creation, and LionTree's selective hiring and small team structure mean individual performance has outsized impact on year-end outcomes, particularly for those contributing to high-profile advisory mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total compensation for a first-year analyst at LionTree?
First-year analysts at LionTree earn a base salary of $110,000 with a year-end bonus of $75,000 - $115,000, bringing total compensation to approximately $195,000 - $235,000.
How do LionTree bonuses compare to other Elite Boutique banks?
LionTree's estimated compensation overlaps upper elite-boutique territory alongside Moelis and PJT Partners, though verifiable disclosures are limited and reported ranges are directional. Merchant banking exposure differentiates the platform more than any documented pay premium.
Does LionTree pay overtime?
Yes, LionTree does pay overtime to eligible analysts, which can meaningfully increase total compensation.
More LionTree Resources
Sources
- LionTree - Careers. LionTree (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)