Banking is not known for high salaries (it's a margin business which puts downward pressure on pay). Starting salaries in commercial banking with a bachelor's degree range in 1995/96 have been in the $22,000 to $32,000 range. Starting salaries with an MBA degree range from $28,000 to $40,000 (up to low $60s at money center banks). After five to ten years in banking you should expect a salary in the $40,000 to $50,000 range. Below are salaries and typical experience for bankers:

Dave Vetta
Vice President
Bank One Capital.

Offers made by major regionals and money center banks in 1998 to MBA students have ranged from the high 40s to low 70s. A good offer would be somewhere in the mid-50s. The following describe average salaries for money center/regional banks from the 1995 Robert Half Salary Guide. Deduct 15% for banks with less than $100 million in assets.

For those of you after the big bucks, they can be had in banking. A good portfolio manager can get hired at a bank with a salary in excess of $500,000. Chief Financial Officers at money center banks can command $300,000 to $500,000 with a hefty bonus added in. Chief technology officers only make slighly less.