general

Wall Street bonuses hit record $49.2 billion in 2025, boosting New York tax receipts

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says surging finance profits and record bonuses are supplying critical tax revenue to New York City and State while he urges budget caution amid external economic risks.

Mar 27th 2026 ยท United States

Insights

  • Wall Street bonuses totaled a record $49.2 billion in 2025.
  • Finance industry profits rose nearly 30% to more than $65 billion last year.
  • Average employee bonuses were $246,900, up 6% from 2024.
  • The sector is estimated to generate $22 billion in state income tax and $6.7 billion for New York City.
  • Stock trading supported a record 201,500 jobs in 2024 and accounted for 20.2% of New York City economic activity.
  • Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urged policymakers to build reserves because of geopolitical and federal policy risks.