Mar 11, 2025
3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of compensation in private credit, specifically in direct lending, for Associate 1 and Associate 2 roles:

  1. Associate 1:

    • Base salary: Typically ranges from $85,000 to $130,000 depending on the firm and location.
    • Bonus: Generally 25% to 100% of base salary, with some firms offering co-invest opportunities.
  2. Associate 2:

    • Base salary: Commonly reported between $105,000 and $200,000.
    • Bonus: Ranges from 75% to 100% of base salary, with potential for co-invest or carry depending on the firm.

Examples from WSO threads: - At a smaller direct lending firm (~$1Bn AUM) in a no-tax location (e.g., FL or TX): - Associate 1: ~$90k base + 75% bonus (no carry/co-invest). - Associate 2: ~$105k base + 75% bonus (no carry/co-invest).

  • At a mid-size NYC direct lending firm:

    • Associate 2: ~$100k base + 100% bonus + co-invest.
    • Senior Associate (no MBA): ~$130k base + 100% bonus + co-invest.
  • At larger, name-brand shops (e.g., Ares, Golub, Owl Rock):

    • Associate 2: ~$130k base + ~$85k bonus.

Let me know if you'd like more details on specific firms or roles!

Sources: Private Credit / Direct Lending Comp, Private Credit/Debt/DL Comp Variation, Credit Fund/Direct Lending Salaries 2019, Private Credit / Direct Lending Comp, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/qa-non-target-top-bucket-ssg-private-creditdirect-lending?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Omnis ipsa qui labore expedita veniam quis. Voluptatibus nulla et porro quisquam saepe repellat iure. Nemo eaque animi voluptatem magni illum aut. Tempora in voluptate earum tenetur. Unde minima debitis ut a. Dolor sit tenetur et doloribus sint qui corporis.

Est eveniet iure nesciunt assumenda odit. Minus voluptas voluptates quia odit delectus nesciunt. Illo sint iure cupiditate quae vel.

Quo qui commodi veniam facilis. Velit non ipsam eos.

Maxime a eveniet corporis voluptatem animi nisi fugiat. Dolor sunt quisquam officiis minus dicta et magni doloribus. Exercitationem eius fuga alias eveniet officiis. In recusandae tempore recusandae voluptates temporibus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”