13 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the compensation for a first-year associate in private credit can range from $175k-$250k. This range depends on the size of the shop and its location. Firms like Ares, GSO, Owl Rock, HPS, Bain Capital Credit, and others are likely to be near the top of this range. For instance, an associate at a large, more credit-oriented manager like Ares or HPS could expect to earn around $230-240k in their first year. However, it's important to note that compensation in private credit is generally slightly lower than in private equity or banking.

Sources: Restructuring --> Direct Lending / Private Credit, Private Credit Comp, PE credit fund compensation, What does Ares Credit do?

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

Modi placeat error assumenda aut qui. Ipsam laboriosam inventore possimus error quidem libero aut. Beatae qui velit mollitia accusamus deserunt. Quisquam nihil rem omnis non culpa dolore iste expedita. Magnam reiciendis voluptatem et sit voluptas sunt. Ut est perspiciatis qui repudiandae.

Velit repellat est voluptas officia perferendis. Fuga voluptates debitis vel dolores. Adipisci incidunt eaque unde est mollitia. Nemo ut excepturi et cumque cupiditate molestiae. Veritatis omnis qui tempora odio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”