Investment Banking Jobs in Illinois
Investment Banking jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago's world-class financial district, one of the most active markets in the country, with demand running from analyst-level roles through managing director positions across mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and capital markets. Chicago anchors the bulk of hiring, with suburban corridors like Schaumburg and Naperville drawing additional activity, and firms such as William Blair, Houlihan Lokey, and BMO Capital Markets maintaining significant Illinois footprints. Middle-market M&A advisory, debt capital markets, and financial restructuring are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Our 540+ banking associates work as one global team, collaborating across geographies, products and sectors to help our clients achieve great outcomes.
- Chicago, IL / Charlotte, NC / Milwaukee, WI
- Global Investment Banking
- R20261044
- Hybrid
Complex deals, real ownership, and career momentum. Grow further at Baird.
Baird is where investment banking careers gain real traction. Associates take on meaningful responsibility, work closely with senior bankers and clients, and grow in a culture that values performance, collaboration, and long-term success.
What You’ll Do
Responsibility that shapes your skill. Work that deepens your impact.
Play a lead role in executing public equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic financial advisory services across a range of sectors
Drive the preparation of company valuations, financial models, marketing materials, and client presentations
Contribute to business development efforts through research and analysis
Work directly with senior bankers and client executives, gaining insight into leadership-level decision-making
Use AI tools like Rogo and auxi to streamline the creation of pitch books and models, and employ data visualization software like Power BI to generate data-driven insights and reports for client materials
What You’ll Gain
A team that runs on trust, momentum, and shared values
Build strong relationships with client leadership and C-suite executives through active involvement in complex M&A transactions
Take on greater ownership through lean deal teams that offer more responsibility
Navigate clear paths for progression with mentorship, visibility, and real opportunity
Advance alongside elite, high-performing peers who hold each other to a high standard
Collaborate across Baird’s global investment banking platform—500+ banking associates working together to drive results across geographies, sectors, and specialties
Grow in a culture that values diverse perspectives, welcomes ambition, and builds success through collaboration and shared purpose
What It Takes
We’re looking for people ready to lead with focus and integrity
3-5 years of full-time experience in a solution-focused financial or quantitative role; Investment Banking preferred
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a track record of delivering results
Clear communication, strong leadership, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, high-performing team
Intellectual agility, initiative, and the drive to grow in a fast-paced, client-focused environment
Experience with AI tools such as Rogo, CoPilot, and auxi is preferred
Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar
Compensation and Benefits:
$175,000 - $200,000 annual salary with bonus potential
Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or GIB profitability
In addition to a strong culture that is focused on health and well-being, our organization offers competitive total compensation packages and comprehensive benefits including: protected Friday night and Saturdays, periodic sabbaticals during career, shareholder opportunities, mandatory paid time off (PTO) and robust 401k match and profit-sharing contribution
Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: Baird does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not compensate for any placement resulting from such submissions. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be treated as valid applications.
Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.
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See All 28 Investment Banking Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Investment Banking JobsInvestment Banking Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Investment Banking Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
- Investment & Asset Management
- Fintech
- Accounting & Auditing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in investment banking jobs across Illinois.
- FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses required or must be obtained within six months
- Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or accounting from an accredited institution
- Proficiency in financial modeling, DCF valuation, and comparable company analysis
- Two or more years of investment banking, corporate finance, or Big Four advisory experience
- Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial data platforms such as Bloomberg or FactSet
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client presentations and deal documentation
Investment Banking Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a investment banking in Illinois?
Most investment banking roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, followed by obtaining FINRA licensing, specifically the Series 79 Investment Banking Representative exam and the Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent exam, which are administered through FINRA and required by Illinois securities regulations. Analysts typically enter through campus recruiting at Chicago-area universities, then pursue licensure on the job within their first year.
How much do investment bankings make in Illinois?
Investment bankings in Illinois earn a median of about $101,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,700 for the lowest 10% to over $166,090 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire investment bankings in Illinois?
Employers hiring investment bankings in Illinois right now include JPMorganChase, D.A. Davidson Companies, and Baird, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's status as a global financial hub means Illinois draws both bulge-bracket banks and a deep roster of independent middle-market advisory firms with permanent local operations.
Which Illinois cities have the most investment banking jobs?
Chicago have the most investment banking openings in Illinois. Chicago overwhelmingly dominates due to its concentration of bank headquarters, private equity firms, and corporate clients, while suburban markets like Schaumburg and Naperville host regional offices of larger financial institutions and diversified professional services firms that support deal activity.
Are there remote investment banking jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since deal execution and client relationship work frequently requires in-person presence. About 62% of investment banking openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements more prevalent than fully remote. Research, financial modeling, and credit analysis functions within banking teams tend to offer the most scheduling flexibility.
How can I get hired as a investment banking in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a summer analyst internship, which Chicago firms including William Blair, Houlihan Lokey, and the Illinois offices of major banks run annually for penultimate-year undergraduates. Those without internship experience often move laterally from Big Four accounting, corporate development, or credit analyst roles. Completing the Series 79 exam before applying signals commitment and removes a common hiring barrier, giving candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to investment banking jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to investment banking jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago and the broader state. Search the available roles, find ones that match your background and target level, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 28 Investment Banking Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Investment Banking Jobs