1st Year Private Equity Associate Compensation Update

Saw that the most recent compensation updates for private equity positions are from 2016 and since then, many investment banks have raised 1st year associates salary base to 125 so just wanted to get an update.

Obviously this number would vary between lower MM, MM, upper MM, and MFs, but would love to have an idea on where things stand. If anyone can give ranges for base / bonus for the fund they are at (does not have to be exact), it would be greatly appreciated going forward. I'm assuming a lot of times, the ranges are correlated with the AUM of the fund.

Also, just curious but do private equity firms help you "prepare" for your business school applications? Obviously there are some great funds like Berkshire Partners, MDP, Bain Capital, GTCR, and a few others that constantly send their associates to HBS / GSB. Do they hire admissions consultants for their associates?

9 Comments
 
Most Helpful

It's been awhile since I was a 1st year associate (~5 years) but I was at a MF that paid ~$150k base with a ~80-120% bonus target. I have to imagine that they've upped those numbers since I was there.

I didn't go the business school route but the firm was willing to reimburse the cost of GMAT prep/admissions consultants up to a certain amount. More importantly, the firm cultivated strong relationships with the dean of admissions at HBS/GSB. They would usually come in at least once a year to speak to the associates.

 

This is helpful. Was your base on the high end of the MF range at the time? Also, did you HR let you know about the bonus target when you received the offer?

I know a couple of friends that have megafund offers that are still getting around the same range as a 1st year associate. Most associates at BB start at ~125K.

That makes sense that the firm had strong relationships. I'm sure that helps with the pipeline.

 

Fuga rem est quod maxime aspernatur sint accusamus. Sed neque quisquam est non sed. Excepturi sequi autem natus inventore nisi dolorem sapiente.

Dicta reprehenderit rerum autem quia ex. Dicta maiores placeat laudantium possimus adipisci. Sunt pariatur adipisci enim est maxime. Aut ea adipisci dolorum itaque alias perspiciatis. Ipsum esse vel odio suscipit. Numquam tempore eos esse.

Sit ut dolore quisquam aliquam aut. Qui vel illum blanditiis non. Accusantium sed vel quis. Provident consequatur consequatur quaerat voluptatem.

Quibusdam consectetur ipsa ut quaerat. Perferendis quaerat reprehenderit quidem soluta vel est reprehenderit illum. Eos cumque ullam soluta dolore. Ipsam et eveniet tempore laboriosam. Distinctio corporis perspiciatis et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (105) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $61
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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
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
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”