What is the average salary for a Big 4 partner?

Asked by: Rossie Fisher I  |  Last update: October 17, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)

Average Big 4 partner compensation in the US generally ranges from $500,000 to over $2.5 million+ annually, with an average around $900,000 to $1 million+. First-year partners often start around $500,000–$600,000, while senior partners can earn $1.5 million to over $2.5 million depending on performance, firm, and practice area.

How much does a Big Four partner earn?

As of 2024, the average income across all partners was $938,000 each year. Here are some approximate Big 4 firms'—PwC, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte—partner earnings broken down by seniority: Years 1-5 (new partners): $500,000. Years 6-10 (senior partners): $1.25 million – $1.5 million.

Which Big 4 partner earns the most?

If you make to partner level in the Big Four, there's a clear hierarchy. In 2016, Deloitte's UK equity partners were paid an average of £837k ($1.1m) each, while partners at PwC, KPMG and EY earned an average of £706k, £582k and £662k respectively.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant? It is possible, but labor market data suggests it is rare for accountants to earn such a lofty annual salary.

How much do Deloitte partners make in Canada?

Average Deloitte Partner yearly pay in Canada is approximately $300,913, which is 199% above the national average. Salary estimated from 27 past and present job postings on Indeed. Please note that all salary figures are approximations based upon third party submissions to Indeed.

How Much Do BIG 4 Partners Earn? (BIG 4 Partner Salary - PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG)

25 related questions found

Can a CPA make 300k a year?

Can accountants make 300k? Yes, it is possible for accountants to make $300,000 a year or more, especially those working in public accounting or executive finance roles. However, salaries at this high level typically require extensive experience, professional qualifications, and a track record of success.

What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?

Around 24% of solo law firms earn between $250k to $500k per year. On the other hand, only around 16% of attorneys at large firms with more than 25 attorneys earned this much.

What is the salary scale for the Big 4?

The Big 4 accounting firms salary ranges from $55,000 for associates to $390,000+ for directors, with partners earning $250,000 to $5 million. Consulting roles pay the most, while audit and tax salaries start lower, showing function is more important than the firm.

What is the McKinsey 3 rule?

Whenever you're trying to persuade a senior person to do something, always present 3 reasons. Not 2, not 4, but exactly 3.

Is Deloitte or PwC more prestigious?

  1. #1. PwC. SCORE 8.906. 2025 Ranking. #1. ...
  2. #2. Deloitte. SCORE 8.851. 2025 Ranking. ...
  3. #3. Ernst & Young LLP. SCORE 8.620. 2025 Ranking. ...
  4. #4. KPMG LLP. SCORE 8.269. 2025 Ranking. ...
  5. #5. Grant Thornton. SCORE 7.017. 2025 Ranking. ...
  6. #6. BDO USA, P.C. SCORE 6.739. 2025 Ranking. ...
  7. #7. RSM US LLP. SCORE 6.652. 2025 Ranking. ...
  8. #8. Baker Tilly. SCORE 6.231. 2025 Ranking.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

A $400K salary job typically refers to a high-paying position in industries like medicine, law, finance, or technology. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and years of experience. Examples include surgeons, top-level executives (CEOs, CFOs), investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs.

How rare is it to make $500,000 a year?

What's striking is how many people in the United States earn exceptionally high salaries. While just 0.79 percent of jobs in the country paid more than $500,000 per year, that's well more than 1 million positions.

Do all CPAs make 6 figures?

A CPA's salary is often in the high five figures, with senior CPAs in management earning six figures. CPAs work in a variety of sectors, including forensic accounting, tax preparation, auditing, bookkeeping, and information technology, in both the commercial and public sectors, as well as for the federal government.

Is $130,000 a good salary in Toronto?

The average salary in Toronto is $62,050, which is 14% higher than the Canadian average salary of $54,450. A person making $130,000 a year in Toronto makes 109.5% more than the average working person in Toronto and will take home about $92,629.

How much do retired Deloitte partners make?

Deloitte pay FAQs

The average salary for a Retired Partner is $329,678 per year (estimate) in US, which is 19% higher than the average Deloitte salary of $276,957 per year (estimate) for this job.