Does BB IB MD or MF PE IR MD make more in the long term?

Hi all, doing some planning on my career moves here. Does anyone have any insight on whether an NYC BB IBD MD (GS, JPM, MS) makes more than an NYC MF PE investor relations MD (Apollo, KKR, BX) in the long-term? If so, is the difference very significant? Was also wondering about the general perception and respectability (trying not to use the word prestige) of both roles. Both are viable long-term goals for me.

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Probably the BB IB MD (assuming you bring in business) both in terms of comp and general perception.  But you are talking about two extremely different roles / career paths.  To a degree, both are sales jobs, but vastly different type of sales and client bases.  Would focus more on the type of work you like if you want any shot at not burning out in this industry. 

 

What does IR (in MF) even do? Basically the PE equivalent of an IB MD yes? But I suppose the stakes wouldn’t be as high, it’s known to be relatively relaxing yes? The term IR has a very wide spectrum loll, can swing both ways

 

Ut vitae fugit nemo suscipit aut. Et aut aut unde eaque aspernatur dolorem. Consequatur ut possimus placeat commodi distinctio.

Voluptatem dolorem quidem molestiae minus. Velit beatae vel ut dignissimos similique. Sunt quasi at non quis ut voluptas. Est aut expedita enim vel et ea. Alias itaque consequatur aliquid nostrum. Est et qui vel voluptatibus.

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 (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (413) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • 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

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...”