How Much Can I Make Working in Mergers and Acquisitions?

Bringing two companies together is no easy task, and it often requires a large team of managers who can oversee everything from financial data to customer-facing systems and redundant products. This process typically takes more than a year for the largest corporations, and it pays dividends to those who dedicate their time, including copious amounts of overtime, to overseeing the endeavor from start to finish. The good news for those who work in mergers and acquisitions is that the field pays better than virtually any other executive-level position outside of CEO and CFO posts. No matter the title, professionals in this field can expect to earn a six-figure salary even when they’re new to the job.

Managers: A Look at Average Compensation for M&A Professionals

The M&A manager is the most common hire when a company has acquired another entity or is merging two companies together. Their role is carefully defined, and they’re generally given a specific area to oversee, transition appropriately, and guide toward success. As a result, the entry-level salary for this position is quite robust. Even the lowest 10 percent of earners in this field earn an annual average of $94,500 plus bonuses. That takes their compensation easily into the six-figure range.

Those with more experience in mergers and acquisitions can expect to earn a bit more. Managers with a few years of experience can expect to take home an average annual salary of $128,800. For more seasoned professionals, including those who are at the peak of their career, the compensation structure is even better. The top 10 percent of earners in M&A management take home about $176,500 each year.

Executive-Level Leadership: Enhanced Compensation for M&A All-Stars

While plenty of managers make a great salary overseeing smaller components of the overall merge or acquisition, those in executive positions are responsible for making sure the broader effort goes off without a hitch. Furthermore, those in M&A executive posts are responsible for planning future mergers, targeting favorable acquisitions, and enhancing a company’s bottom line through strategic moves. For these efforts, they are rewarded handsomely in terms of annual salary.

According to Salary.com entry-level executives in charge of mergers and acquisitions can expect to earn an average annual salary of $164,000. With a few years of on-the-job experience, that salary rises dramatically. Mid-career executives in this field will earn upwards of $243,000 each year. The top 10 percent of earners in this executive field will make even better money each year. Their pay surpasses $367,000 per year.

Pay Depends on Corporation Size and Influence

All positions in management and executive leadership base their compensation structure on the company’s financial health, its overall size, and its future prospects. For this reason, the top earners in this field tend to work for Fortune 1000 corporations with a nationwide presence, if not an international one. The highest wages tend to be paid in large cities, including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

No matter the size of the company or the location of the job, one thing is for sure: Overseeing the combination of two or more companies in any industry is a lucrative pursuit that will more than triple the average American wage for qualified professionals. That’s a benefit worth pursuing at any level.