Paltry pay, pathetic bonuses - Equity Research Analyst Morningstar Employee Review

1.0
Aug 30, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Free drinks and casual dress.

Cons

Terribly low pay. If Morningstar really cared about its equity analysts, it would compensate them fairly. The wages are WAY below industry norms and that of many other careers that require far less out of the employee. I would dissuade anyone with an interest in financial markets from even applying to Morningstar. Being an analyst requires three things 1) hard work 2) intelligence and 3) good communication skills. It makes zero sense to work for Morningstar-level wages if you possess all three of these attributes. You can make far more with less effort doing almost anything else - corporate management, sales, etc. The reason that most analysts stay at Morningstar is that they are stuck due to family commitments and geographic restrictions.

Explore other reviews about Morningstar

5.0
Feb 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Honestly amazing, the pay is amazing, 150,000+ for an analyst, with great benefits and the ability to work from home.

Cons

Hard to beat another firm that will pay 150,000 base for junior employees. People often forget to respond or follow up in the company but just stay patient.

4.0
Mar 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I worked with a good team, and managers. Both very supportive. Unlimited PTO as long as its used responsibly. Good work/life balance. Yearly raise, and bonus.

Cons

Yearly raise, and bonus does not match the amount of work put in. Its very disappointing when you are a dedicated employee who performs above expectations and only get a tiny raise and small bonus. The bonus was less than $2,000 every year (after taxes) and I worked there for 5 years. They retired a product and fired everyone who worked on it. Sure they provided a severance package but they lost many employees who had given the company years of commitment. After 5 years and always exceeding expectations, I was never offered a new position or opportunity for growth. Company does not like remote employees at all, and have become extremely strict with a hybrid schedule.

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Morningstar Response
3mo
Thank you for sharing your experience. We agree that compensation, recognition, and growth opportunities matter, and we regularly review pay and incentives in the context of role scope, performance, and market factors. As our business evolves, some product decisions are difficult. Any decision that impacts our team is never taken lightly. Per the comment about our in-office approach to working, we believe coming together in person matters, which is why we’ve set clear expectations around a four‑day in‑office schedule focused on collaboration and learning.
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