Wall Street is on track for a historic bonus season as major banks post soaring profits driven by resurgent dealmaking and a booming stock market.
According to AdvisorHub's review of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's annual report, profits at the 130 firms operating on the New York Stock Exchange totaled $30.4 billion in the first half of 2025 — a pace that could lead to the highest annual profits on record. Compensation expenses rose nearly 10 percent compared to last year, signaling that bonuses may surpass 2024's record average of $244,700.
According to AdvisorHub, earlier forecasts had predicted a decline in Wall Street's bonus pool amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The comptroller's report also highlighted the industry's continued impact on New York City's economy. Tax collections from securities firms climbed 35.1 percent to $6.7 billion, while the average salary for securities professionals increased 7.3 percent to $505,630 — roughly five times the citywide private-sector average.
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