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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Private Equity Associate in California is $86,204 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Private Equity Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Private Equity Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,070 | $7,756 | $1,790 | $45 |
| Average | $86,204 | $7,184 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,625 | $6,469 | $1,493 | $37 |
Tobin Capital Group - San Francisco, CA
Direct Counsel - Los Angeles, CA
Inventure - Hayward, CA
CSC Generation - Los Angeles, CA
A Private Equity Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Private Equity Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Compensat... Level Private Equity Associate | $71,795 |
| Private E... Level Private Equity Associate | $85,699 |
| Compensat... Level Private Equity Associate | $112,411 |
| Compensat... Level Private Equity Associate | $136,496 |
| Compensat... Level Private Equity Associate | $130,888 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Private Equity Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Private Equity Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Private Equity Associate positions in Biotechnology or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Private Equity Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $101,721 | $49.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $99,996 | $48.0 | 16% |
| Insurance | $94,824 | $46.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $92,238 | $44.0 | 7% |
| Internet | $91,376 | $44.0 | 6% |
Understanding how a Private Equity Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,070 | $7,756 | $1,790 | $45 |
| Average | $86,204 | $7,184 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,625 | $6,469 | $1,493 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Private Equity Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
BCG Attorney Search
San Francisco, CA
BCG Attorney Search | San Francisco, CA
About the Company. A law firm is seeking a Private Equity Associate Attorney with a minimum of 2 years of experience in private equity transactions to join... more
4 Days Ago
Ares Management
Los Angeles, CA
Ares Management | Los Angeles, CA
Ares Private Equity Partner-Track Role. Ares Private Equity flagship corporate opportunities strategy pursues investments in growth-oriented middle market ... more
5 Days Ago
K1 Investment Management
Manhattan Beach, CA
K1 Investment Management | Manhattan Beach, CA
Private Equity Associate - Business DevelopmentK1 is seeking a Private Equity Business Development Associate for our office located in Manhattan Beach, CA.... more
3 Days Ago
Alexander Chapman
Burlingame, CA
Alexander Chapman | Burlingame, CA
A highly regarded lower middle market private equity platform is looking to add an Associate or Senior Associate to its TMT team in San Francisco. The firm... more
3 Days Ago
Harvey and Company LLC
Newport Beach, CA
Harvey and Company LLC | Newport Beach, CA
Associate, Private Equity Business DevelopmentIndustries: Private Equity, M&A, Financial Services, Financial SalesExperience Level: Associate (4years)Compe... more
3 Days Ago
Alexander Chapman
Burlingame, CA
Alexander Chapman | Burlingame, CA
OverviewA private investment firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Technology investing team. The role will focus on evaluating and executing priv... more
3 Days Ago
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