Private Equity Associate Salary in 2026
Evaluate and execute private equity investments in companies across various industries.
Median Salary
$135,000
$11,250/mo
Entry Level
$95,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$200,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Private Equity Associate Overview
Evaluate and execute private equity investments in companies across various industries.
Education
MBA
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+30%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$64.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,250
Private Equity Associate Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Private Equity Associate salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Private Equity Associate Salary
$164,000
$13,667/month · $6,308/biweekly · $78.85/hr
Private Equity Associate Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Private Equity Associate field.
Entry-level Private Equity Associates earn around $95,000, while the top 10% earn $250,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Private Equity Associates
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $155,000 | +$20,000 |
| Massachusetts | $151,000 | +$16,000 |
| Illinois | $140,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $132,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Private Equity Associates
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $169,000 | +$34,000 |
| New York | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| Boston | $151,000 | +$16,000 |
| Chicago | $142,000 | +$7,000 |
| Dallas | $135,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Private Equity Associate Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Private Equity Associate from entry level to expert.
$95,000
0-2 years
$148,000
3-7 years
$200,000
8-14 years
$300,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Private Equity Associate Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.