Wall Street bonuses surged 31% last year on rising markets and a rebound in dealmaking activity, delivering a boon for the industry’s hometown economy. Some are already wondering how long it is going to last.

The bonus pool for New York City's securities employees hit a record $47.5B in 2024, up 34% Y/Y, marking its first major increase since COVID-19 pandemic highs, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said on Wednesday in the office's annual estimate.

That is up 34% from last year’s bonus pool of $35.4 billion and the highest number since records began in 1987.

That's how much the average Wall Street bonus was in 2024. The figure marks a 31% increase from $186,100 the prior year, according to a report from the New York state comptroller’s office. Wall Street bonuses have an outsized impact on New York City's economy and workers.

Wall Street bankers saw their bonuses rise more than 30% last year, according to a Wednesday statement from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, contributing to a record high bonus pool lifted by a strong performance from Wall Street in 2024.

The average payout in 2024 amounted to $244,700, thanks to a record bonus pool for workers in New York’s financial district.

Wall Street banker bonuses rose 31.5% to an average $244,700 last year as dealmaking rebounded, but the boom times may wane as economic uncertainty rises, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said on Wednesday.

Wall Street bonuses surged in 2024, averaging a record-breaking $244,700, according to new state estimates. That’s 31.5% higher than in 2023, according to state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. It’s part of an estimated pool of $47.