Chicago has emerged as a major global financial center and hub for investment management firms and hedge funds. The city offers exciting and lucrative career opportunities in the investment industry for qualified candidates. With a business-friendly environment, concentration of Fortune 500 companies, and proximity to major exchanges like CME Group and CBOE, Chicago provides access to cutting-edge investment products and strategies. This article discusses the top investment firms in Chicago, key investment roles, average salaries, and tips to land your dream investment job.
Major investment firms offer abundant job options in Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the biggest names in investment management and trading. Top firms like Citadel, Balyasny Asset Management, PEAK6 Investments, Jump Trading, and DRW Trading Group have major offices in Chicago and frequently hire investment professionals. These firms offer roles ranging from investment analysts, portfolio managers, and quantitative researchers to traders across asset classes like equities, commodities, currencies, and derivatives. Chicago’s exchanges like CME Group and CBOE also regularly recruit experienced traders and other specialists.
Salaries for investment roles in Chicago are lucrative
Chicago offers very competitive salaries for investment roles compared to other US cities. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for an investment analyst in Chicago is $85,000. Senior portfolio managers earn $180,000 on average while hedge fund analysts make around $90,000 in base salary. Traders can earn $100,000 – $250,000 depending on experience. Bonuses and profit sharing can significantly increase total compensation. Quants and researchers at top firms like Citadel and Jump Trading can earn total packages of $300,000 or more in the first year.
Tips to land your dream investment job in Chicago
To get hired for lucrative investment jobs in Chicago, you need proper qualifications, relevant experience, and good interview prep. Having an advanced degree like MBA or quantitative backgrounds like mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or financial engineering is a big plus. Internships at investment banks and networking with Chicago investment professionals can improve your chances. Preparing well for technical interviews on valuation, financial modeling, statistics, and markets is vital for roles at top firms.
With top firms and attractive salaries, Chicago offers great career opportunities in investment management and trading. By developing in-demand skills and experience, networking effectively, and preparing well for interviews, you can land rewarding investment roles in Chicago.