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.
 

Bump also interested in early associate comp. Don’t mean to hijack thread but also can anyone speak on transitioning from BB CIB Credit to PC/DL?

 

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