How long does it take to get a Big 4 partner?
Asked by: Johnathan Smitham | Last update: December 26, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (74 votes)
Most people take 10-15 years to become a Big 4 partner.
How long does it take to become a partner at Big 4?
Today, most partners in these large firms will take, on average, at least 10-15 years to make it to partner but it could take longer or shorter than that depending on the firm's specific programme.
What are the odds of making a partner at the Big 4?
In any given year approximately 3-4 of the 75 directors made Managing Director (non equity partner and first step to becoming partner). That means 4-5% make it and 95-96% don't make it. Mathematically the odds are incredibly slim.
What is the average age to become a partner in the Big 4?
Earlier the average age to become a non-equity partner was around 38-40 years. 35-40% of all Big 4 partners are now below the age of 45, compared to 30% 2-3 years ago. Here are some facts and what has caused this shift.
How much do Big 4 partners actually make?
The average across all partners will land right around $650k – $850k each year. Big 4 Firms – PwC, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte Partner Salaries: Years 1-5: $300k – $500k. Years 6-10: $400k – $1.3M.
Want to make partner at a Big 4 firm? How long will it take to make partner?
Which Big 4 is hardest to get into?
Deloitte and PwC are described as more competitive.
Do Big 4 partners get a pension?
Net worth is not the only source of wealth for Big 4 partners. They also get a really nice pension.
How hard is it to break into Big 4?
Because of their reputation and reach across several industries, the Big Four are known to employ thousands of graduates every year. Despite this, competition for places in any of the firms is fierce and gruelling. Consequently, landing a job with one of the Big Four firms is sometimes viewed as a difficult task.
What is the average age at Deloitte?
The average age of our employees is 32, and 67% of our people are millennials, craving informality and the freedom to work in their own way.
What age do Big Four partners retire?
The main reason for this is that most CPA firms require equity partners to sign a formal partnership agreement. In the Big 4, typical retirement age is 58 to 60.
Do Big 4 partners have to buy in?
Similar to buying a share of a company, when you become a partner you need to buy in to your share of your Big 4 firm. This article explores how much it costs to become a partner in the Big 4 as well as other firms, and what this amount is based on.
How long does it typically take to become a partner?
Some firms do make decisions about partnership after 7 years; however, many firms have partnership tracks based on 8, 9, 10 or 11 years. At a firm with a track of 10 years, it would not be at all unusual to be a 7th year associate that was not yet up for partner.
How long do most people stay at Big 4?
Many people aim to leave the Big 4 after reaching a certain level on their career path which clusters around 3-5 years. It can be a great milestone to get to the point where you have direct reports since manager (people leader) positions can be a less structure/natural progression outside of the Big 4.
What age do lawyers make partner?
The average age to make a partner in a law firm, investment bank, asset management firm, or private wealth management firm is around 35 to 38 years old. However, this can vary depending on the firm and the specific specialty. For example, it may take longer to make a partner in a large law firm than in a smaller firm.
What GPA do you need to work at Deloitte?
Strong academic track record (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2) Meets minimum requirements for CPA eligibility or other relevant certifications before beginning full-time employment. Relevant work experience or work experience in a professional environment (e.g., internships, summer positions, school jobs)
What age do Deloitte partners retire?
The standard retirement age in the firm is 62 years.
Who is the highest paid employee at Deloitte?
The highest-paying job at Deloitte is a Chief Executive Officer with a salary of $451,463 per year (estimate). What is the lowest salary at Deloitte? The lowest-paying job at Deloitte is a Cleaner with a salary of $40,262 per year (estimate). Are Deloitte employees satisfied with their compensation?
Which Big 4 is most prestigious?
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE FIRMS PwC is the largest by revenue and the most prestigious of the Big Four with a strong and established audit client base.
How difficult is it to get a job at KPMG?
KPMG, the smallest of the Big Four by most metrics, is tougher to parse. According to careers advice site thecambridgeconsultant, the firm received around 50,000 applicants to 3,900 roles in the USA, an acceptance rate of around 7.8%.
What is the acceptance rate for Deloitte?
With Deloitte's 3.7 percent acceptance rate, this is a huge achievement for Brito. “After I graduate, I want to travel and study for my CPA license during my first year of employment with Deloitte,” he shared.
How rich are Big 4 partners?
Big 4 Partner Salary
A large part of partner compensation is tied to equity. For reference, however, you can expect to make somewhere between $250,000 and $5 million a year. It's a lot of money but it also takes roughly 13 to 17 years to get there!
What is the retirement age for Big 4 partners?
Most Top 100 accounting firms in the U.S. have a mandatory retirement age between 60 and 66, and certain Big 4 firms expect partners to retire as early as 55. This age range is much younger than the expected retirement age for audit partners in other countries and individuals in related professional roles.
What is the forced retirement age for PWC?
Mandatory retirement for partners at the end of the June 30th fiscal year in which they hit 60 years of age. Non partners do not have a mandatory retirement age.