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The differences between quantitative analysts and investment bankers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a quantitative analyst and an investment banker. Additionally, an investment banker has an average salary of $162,715, which is higher than the $101,197 average annual salary of a quantitative analyst.
The top three skills for a quantitative analyst include python, SAS and risk management. The most important skills for an investment banker are financial services, discounted cash flow, and capital markets.
| Quantitative Analyst | Investment Banker | |
| Yearly salary | $101,197 | $162,715 |
| Hourly rate | $48.65 | $78.23 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 48,644 | 28,460 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A quantitative analyst is trained to gather quantitative methods to help companies do business and make other related decisions. In the world of trading, quantitative analysts are in demand. It is their job as quantitative analysts to help banks value their securities. They identify cost-effective investment opportunities and measure risk. They can also work for the insurance companies to develop pricing models and assess risk evaluation strategies. Also, some quantitative analysts work on the back end to enhance computer software and to evaluate financial data.
An investment banker is responsible for selling and issuing securities and financial assets to the stock markets to generate money and raise capital for organizations and financial institutions. Investment bankers also work with private clients to advise them of investment options and financial transactions according to the market's condition and clients' interests. They handle the clients' investment portfolios and create propositions for acquisitions and company mergers. An investment banker must have excellent knowledge of the financial and stock industry, as well as having excellent analytical skills to review statistical data and determine the best financial strategies.
Quantitative analysts and investment bankers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quantitative Analyst | Investment Banker | |
| Average salary | $101,197 | $162,715 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $148,000 | Between $95,000 And $276,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Real Estate |
There are a few differences between a quantitative analyst and an investment banker in terms of educational background:
| Quantitative Analyst | Investment Banker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Finance | Business |
| Most common college | University of Notre Dame | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between quantitative analysts' and investment bankers' demographics:
| Quantitative Analyst | Investment Banker | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% | Male, 76.2% Female, 23.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 12.4% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 6% |