Roles
What does a quant analyst do?
KnowQuant research deskUpdated 1 September 2026Method 2026.1
Short answer
A quant analyst prices instruments, builds risk models and validates the models a firm trades on - most often on the sell side or in a risk function. New York total compensation typically runs from about $130,000 at entry level to $450,000 or more at senior level, with a lower bonus share than buy-side quant roles.
The quant analyst role is the classical derivatives-quant seat: pricing models, curve construction, risk sensitivities and model validation, typically at a bank or in a risk or treasury function. Compensation is lower and less volatile than buy-side research, and the role remains the most common entry route into the industry. A large share of buy-side researchers spent two to four years in this seat first.
The recurring requirements are Stochastic calculus, Derivatives pricing, Python, Risk modelling, Model validation, C++. Typical backgrounds are financial mathematics masters, master el karoui and equivalent programmes, mathematics or physics phd, actuarial and risk backgrounds.
The role concentrates in New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich / Geneva, where the New York median is $230k in annual total compensation.
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Cite these figures
KnowQuant Quant Compensation Benchmark, Q3 2026 edition, method 2026.1. https://www.know-quant.com/answers/what-does-a-quant-analyst-do
Free to quote and republish with attribution and a link to the source page, under our terms. Method 2026.1, last reviewed 1 September 2026. The methodology sets out how each band is built and what it excludes.
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More on roles
What is a quant?
A quant is a specialist who uses mathematics, statistics and code to price instruments, find trading signals or run systematic strategies inside a trading firm, hedge fund or bank.
What does a quant researcher do?
A quant researcher designs and tests the statistical models that generate trading signals. In New York, total compensation typically runs from about $250,000 at entry level to $900,000 or more for senior researchers with an attributable track record, with the majority of the package delivered as performance bonus.
What does a quant trader do?
A quant trader runs risk on systematic strategies - sizing positions, managing execution and adjusting to live market conditions. New York total compensation typically ranges from around $200,000 at entry level to well over $1,000,000 for experienced traders, with the bonus tied directly to desk profit and loss.
What does a quant developer do?
A quant developer builds the systems that research and trading depend on: backtesting infrastructure, data pipelines, execution platforms and production strategy code. New York total compensation typically runs from about $180,000 at entry level to $600,000 or more for senior developers at leading firms.
What does a hft / low-latency engineer do?
A low-latency engineer optimises the path from market data to order at nanosecond resolution, working across C++, kernel bypass, network hardware and FPGA. Chicago and Amsterdam total compensation typically runs from about $200,000 at entry level to $800,000 or more for specialists with proven latency results.
What does a systematic portfolio manager do?
A systematic portfolio manager runs their own book under a defined risk mandate and is typically paid a percentage of the profit they generate rather than a conventional bonus. Packages are largely performance-driven, and guarantee levels are negotiated case by case rather than set at a market figure we can evidence.
Methodology
Figures are expressed as annual total compensation (base salary plus expected performance bonus) in the reference market's local currency, converted from a US dollar base. They describe typical market ranges rather than any individual offer, and exclude sign-on payments, deferred equity and carried interest. Portfolio-manager figures reflect formulaic profit-share arrangements and are therefore far more dispersed than any other role.
KnowQuantIndex 2026.1 · Updated September 2026
Modelled bands describe the market, not an individual offer. Where an employer states pay, the stated figure is used and labelled as such.