Research Analyst - U.S. Growth & Core Equity (Generalist)
William Blair & Company
Chicago, IL · $200k–$225k a year · Posted February 25, 2026
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Where Chicago, IL ranks
Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for government pay after cost of living$146k · of 18
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest684 jobs · of 51
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Great Lakes684 jobs · of 36
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Midwest1,140 openings · of 59
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Great Lakes1,140 openings · of 48
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Midwest80 / 100 · of 20
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $212,500 a year. Across 36 open research analyst listings that state pay, the middle half runs $65,000 to $134,000 and the median is $81,000. That is 162% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among financial specialists, all other, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for financial specialists, all other: 22% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.
Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.
We're seeking an experienced small-cap Generalist to join our buy-side domestic research team which is responsible for identifying quality growth and core companies that will generate above-average results for clients over time with generally less risk than the market. The team identifies these companies through a combination of rigorous fundamental research and systematic inputs, following a disciplined process that emphasizes team collaboration.
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Identify and recommend new investment ideas to assist portfolio managers in generating above-market returns.
Continue to analyze and monitor developments that impact portfolio holdings for which the analyst is responsible.
Perform fundamental analysis on sectors and industries to aid in stock selection and portfolio construction.
Proactively, clearly, and concisely communicate investment recommendations to portfolio managers and other analysts.
Develop and maintain research relationships including company managements, industry contacts, and research vendors (brokers and analysts).
Make field trips, interview company executives, and attend industry conferences to stay abreast of changes in company fundamentals and industry trends.
Participate in other projects as requested by management.
Qualifications:
>7 years of buy-side experience as an Analyst, either as a generalist or with broad small-cap sector coverage
Strong working knowledge of accounting and finance.
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CFA, and/or CPA preferred.
Effectively prioritize time and manage multiple tasks as opportunities and issues arise.
Ability to analyze/model financial metrics, business strategies, and valuation parameters.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Customer service orientation; respond to requests in a timely manner.
Works well as a member of industry or portfolio teams.
Strong organizational skills.
#LI-HK1
A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.
This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.
Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.
Salary Range $200,000 — $225,000 USD
About Our Firm
William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com .
William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v
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