MD at BB/EB vs Partner at a Big 4?

I've heard that top performing partners at Big 4 can make up to $3M a year in total compensation. How does that compare to MDs at BB banks or Elite Boutiques? (My understanding is that compensation ranges from $950k to $2M) 

Given the fact that WLB is much better at Big 4 companies, and that Partners at Big 4 enjoy of a much better job security (since they own a stake of the company), don't you agree that Partners at Big 4 are in a much better position that MDs at reputable Investment Banks despite maybe their jobs are considered less prestigious or glamorous? 

6 Comments
 

No, they don’t.

Last year a top MD performer (best deal maker in our group) made around $4m in total comp, this was the pay for our top performer in the best year ever of our group, (I am at a Tier 1 BB)

Most MDs make between $1m and $2m, maybe those more senior make near $2.5m

These $4m to $10m salaries are for the Heads of Divisions or Heads of Offices

 

Used to work in big 4 and was always skeptical about partner comp. I understand they start at 450k and on average prob reach 750k by the time retire (must retire after 30 years). Only the top of the top make seven figures, 3 million is prob near executive level. Great career and also get a pension but have to factor in the 15 years pre partner where you probably make 2-4x per year in finance depending on your role

 
Most Helpful

Officiis libero nam quam natus qui. Minus facere sint facere deleniti et beatae. Eaque est optio libero ipsum quia. Ullam deleniti iure placeat fugit facere occaecati. Maiores quo veritatis veritatis fuga consequatur ullam. Placeat sint dolorum esse et ducimus optio neque. Rerum illo deleniti voluptas sint accusamus qui repudiandae iure.

Ipsam eum enim suscipit officia deleniti. Sint consectetur aut dolores mollitia magnam aperiam iusto. Excepturi quos voluptatem atque dolor nobis aliquam ipsum.

Sapiente voluptas voluptatum aperiam voluptatem laudantium. Ea incidunt facilis atque beatae sit. Eum error quia quibusdam dolore voluptatem. Doloribus debitis autem aut animi voluptatem quia voluptas quod. Harum magni aperiam laborum officia. Temporibus non eos voluptas ipsum aperiam.

Quaerat dolorum distinctio sed necessitatibus. Harum sunt quod perspiciatis odit nihil in.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”