<p>Ummm...people don't really go into banking for the first three years and 85K salary. Its more like paying your dues. After that people go to smaller shops or get an MBA. At this point (3 yrs I-banking + MBA) you will make about $95K + $35K signing bonus + about $50-$95K bonus. It usually averages out to about 200 grand. Few make it past 2-3 years after MBA, but those that do are making 400K +, and MDs (ten years post MBA) make from $800K to a few million. The dropouts usually go to hedge funds, private equity, etc and often do very well.</p>
<p>You have to really want it though and love numbers.</p>