The average Wall Street bonus reached a record $246,900 in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, according to New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The total bonus pool rose 9% to $49.2 billion, reflecting a more than 30% surge in industry profits to $65.1 billion.
Despite historic market drops driven by concerns over tariffs, interest rates, and AI technology bubbles, the S&P 500 returned nearly 18% in 2025 and hit a record high on Christmas Eve. Chris Connors of Johnson Associates called 2025 'the best year since 2021' for many Wall Street firms, particularly in trading.
DiNapoli noted that the bonuses are expected to generate $199 million more in state income tax and $91 million more for New York City compared to the previous year. However, he warned of slower job growth and geopolitical risks that could impact the financial sector's outlook.
