Based on the WSO Dataset, compensation for fresh graduates entering middle market (MM) private equity (PE) can indeed be comparable to investment banking (IB) analyst roles, especially at the lower end of the MM spectrum. For MM PE Associate 1 positions, the compensation typically ranges from $110-125k base with a 100% target bonus, leading to an all-in compensation of $220-250k for funds sized between $500 million to $3 billion. This is in line with entry-level analyst positions in investment banking, where total compensation also includes a significant bonus component on top of the base salary.

It's important to note that while the base salaries might be similar, the total compensation package can vary significantly depending on the performance of the fund, the individual's contribution, and the specific terms of their employment contract, such as bonus structure and potential for carry in the PE space. Additionally, the work environment, hours, and job responsibilities between MM PE and IB can differ, which might also influence one's decision to pursue one path over the other.

In summary, while base salaries might be comparable between MM PE and IB analyst roles, the total compensation, job structure, and career trajectory can differ, making it essential for individuals to consider their long-term career goals and personal preferences when choosing between these paths.

Sources: What is "Street" MM PE Compensation for Associate 1 & 2 and Senior Assoc. (3rd year), MM IBD (Analyst) > MM PE (Associate) > MM PE (Senior Associate) - Here to answer any and all questions!, Comp at Top MM Firms?, MM PE out of undergrad worth it?, Associates who started as analysts: Why did you stay in IB?

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

Went with IB instead but my MM PE Analyst offer was $100k base at a ~$3b aum shop in NYC. Not sure if this is consistent across the street

 

Enim hic aut asperiores. Placeat tempore ex earum. Enim ipsum ipsa vero minima atque. Ipsam qui placeat natus ut voluptas ut.

Et qui sapiente exercitationem voluptatibus aut qui consequatur. Dolorum voluptas veritatis quis dolor pariatur autem consequatur libero. Ab consequatur amet libero unde. Adipisci nisi ut perferendis id impedit.

Corporis libero dolorem ut quis. Praesentium quia non est eligendi. Consequatur vitae natus nostrum eos minus.

Est illo dolorem ea minus eos. Natus esse molestias rerum. Numquam quae at sed consequatur et mollitia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $268
  • 1st Year Associate (389) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (316) $59
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...”