Table of Contents
New York and London are the twin capitals of quantitative finance. Both pay well - but the compensation structures, tax implications, and cost of living differ dramatically. Here's what quant researchers earn in each city.
New York City Compensation
London Compensation (GBP)
NYC vs London: Side by Side (USD Equivalent)
Junior
Mid-Level
Senior
Lead
NYC pays more at every level, but London has lower taxes and better work-life balance.
Compensation Disclaimer
Actual compensation varies based on:
- ✦ Firm profitability
- ✦ Strategy performance
- ✦ Asset class specialization
- ✦ Academic background
- ✦ Interview performance
- ✦ Market conditions
Factors That Influence Compensation
- ✦ Firm type (Citadel/Two Sigma pay more than banks)
- ✦ Proven alpha track record (substantially increases comp)
- ✦ Educational background (PhD vs master's vs bachelor's)
- ✦ Years of experience (but not linear - performance matters more)
- ✦ Interview performance (top candidates negotiate multiple offers)
Hiring Market Observations
Common trends:
- ✦ Top firms compete heavily for proven researchers
- ✦ Bonus often exceeds base salary at senior levels
- ✦ Researchers with production alpha command premiums
- ✦ Cross-asset experience increases marketability
Which City Is Right for You?
NYC pays more. London offers better quality of life, lower taxes (effective rate 45% in NYC vs 35-40% in London), and proximity to European markets. Both cities have top firms. Offline Pixel can help you find quant researcher roles in either location - or remote positions that let you work from anywhere. Raise a request, talk to our team, and we'll match you with opportunities.
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