MF Development Associate Comp

Trying to get a feel for market comp for a development associate at top 25 REPE developer. My shop is top 10 and our range is $125-135k + 20-25% which I feel is low today. I’m looking for backup to get it increased. I hear Hines pays $140k + 30%. I think Greystar is $125k + 25% but could be wrong. Any other data points?

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some relevant data points for Development Associate compensation in real estate:

  1. General Development Associate Compensation:

    • Midwest Market: $100,000 base, $20,000-$40,000 bonus, 0.5% equity in each deal, 401K, and 100% health coverage.
    • California Major Submarkets: $85,000 base, $5,000-$10,000 bonus, 401K, and health coverage.
  2. Top Developers:

    • Hines: Reportedly pays $140,000 base + 30% bonus.
    • Greystar: Estimated at $125,000 base + 25% bonus (though this is not confirmed).
  3. Market Comparisons:

    • Development Manager roles in the Midwest are generally around $135,000-$150,000 base with a 20% bonus and 1-2% of promote cash flow.
    • Analysts and Associates at mega developers can range from $65,000-$125,000 base with bonuses around 30%, with higher levels participating in deal profits.

Your current range of $125,000-$135,000 base + 20-25% bonus seems competitive but slightly on the lower end compared to Hines. If you're looking to negotiate, the Hines benchmark of $140,000 + 30% could serve as a strong reference point.

Sources: What is your compensation in Real Estate Finance?, What is your compensation in Real Estate Finance?, 2017 Private Equity Report – 8 Category Highlights

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

Alias quasi omnis maxime quo. Voluptatem similique hic et et sequi labore quis placeat. Animi quas cum possimus autem atque veritatis molestiae.

Eaque voluptate nesciunt voluptas. Saepe doloremque quia eos modi earum dolorem. Id sequi pariatur tempore earum voluptas aliquid.

Veniam doloremque saepe tempore velit. Molestias dolor voluptas velit est non sapiente. Illo ab est corrupti.

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 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

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 No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”