Minimum Pay for Regional PE Firm

What would be the minimum pay you would expect to receive for a first year pre-MBA associate position at a regional PE firm (i.e. not NY, Chicago, LA, SF) with a current fund size of ~$500mm. I have 3 years IB experience at a strong MM firm in NY. I have heard from the headhunter that the firm will most likely offer 70k with 100% bonus which they typically payout at 80%. Is this too low an offer? Should I try to negotiate for more or should I just be happy to find a PE job in this market.

10 Comments
 

You can PM me if you would like....

My PE fund is a similar size, and I get 85k base, in 2009 bonus was $135k. $220k all-in. In two years, I get carry as well. This is NY though...

 
MoneyKingdomYou can PM me if you would like....

My PE fund is a similar size, and I get 85k base, in 2009 bonus was $135k. $220k all-in. In two years, I get carry as well. This is NY though...

how much did you net per month (base+bonus), after taxes?

 

Even if it's not a megafund, a solid MM firm should pay very close, if not more, than your 3rd year salary. I would think 90K base with 80-120% bonus and possible co-invest, at the least, would be more appropriate. That's what I've heard regarding other regional MM funds. I haven't heard anything about signing bonus or relocation, so I can't comment there.

 

Hmm, I'm aware of a number of similar size PE shops that pay about what you're offered, maybe slightly more. I definitely do not think you should expect a co-invest. As a pre-MBA, co-invest and carry should NOT be expected. Given the market, they may be paying a slightly depressed base. If you're looking to negotiate, consider asking for 80k base. If I were you, I'd be happy to get an offer in this market. If you have a whole class of associates coming in, don't expect to be making more than your peers.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

Ut nihil vel ipsa aut accusantium. Earum numquam ad molestiae deleniti quia. Neque distinctio ut explicabo ea. Reiciendis nobis et ex enim ex. Qui repellendus rem blanditiis neque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 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

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”