How much do Investment Bankers nowadays make?

Is it true that investment bankers from Goldman Sachs make over $20 million dollars in bonuses alone? How?

• Do you think it is fair that investment bankers who work for Goldman Sachs are making millions of dollars this year in bonuses alone? (Some workers will make $20 million dollars alone this year) Now that you know how much money investment bankers from Goldman Sachs will make this year, why do people think that the way to financial success is by becoming a doctor only? Why do hard working surgeons make only $300,000 a year but investment bankers from Goldman Sachs make ten times that much in bonuses? (Yes, I sound pretty desperate but I need to know this too) Do you know anyone who is an investment banker from Goldman Sachs or in any other company that makes $20 million+ in bonus money this year alone? Can you tell me what college level courses I need to take to become an investment banker and maybe go work at Goldman Sachs? How many years does it take to become an investment banker? Again, please list all courses. Final question: How do you get hired to work at Goldman Sachs?

• Answer:

  Options grants? Stupid response, no offence. I work in finance and can clearly explain to you how it works. We make commission based on a transaction. A transaction can be many things. In the case of Goldman Sachs, one of the reasons their revenue was so high this year is they made a bet on a Japanese golf company. Their stock went through the roof. GS made many good picks this year. The bonus is calculated after costs and required porfit percentages. The bankers and advisors got every penny they deserved. You have to understand that this is not just Goldman Sachs. Many other New York firms are having a great year too. It is so publicized because people talk and things get leaked. I work in finance, have my undergrad in Finance and Economics and my MBA. I also have my NASD licensing, series 7,63,65 as well as life and health insurance licenses. You may need different licensing depending what your specific position is. The licensing is done once a firm sponsors you. The money is great but do you have a head for money? You have to be very driven and prepared to do grunt work in the beginning. I suggest you start interning somewhere like I did when I was still doing my undergrad.