ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Private Equity Secondary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aksia

Associate, Private Equity Primaries

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Underwrite LP-led secondary transactions alongside dedicated secondaries team * Monitor market trends, industry developments, and relevant macroeconomic factors impacting private equity markets

100KCrossing

Funds Associate

Athens, WI · On-site

Experience with private equity secondary transactions would also be helpful. All candidates must be admitted to the state bar of their office location. We value diversity in the workplace. EOE ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrivate Equity Secondary Jobs

Private Equity Secondary information

See salary details

$47K

$100.2K

$143K

How much do private equity secondary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for private equity secondary in the United States is $100,180.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is private equity secondary?

Private equity secondary refers to the buying and selling of pre-existing investor commitments to private equity funds. Instead of investing directly in new funds or companies, secondary investors purchase interests in funds or portfolios from other investors who wish to exit early. This market provides liquidity to original investors and offers buyers access to mature assets with known performance. It is an important part of the private equity ecosystem, helping manage risk and investment horizons.

What is the 80/20 rule in private equity?

In private equity, the 80/20 rule often refers to the observation that approximately 80% of returns come from 20% of investments or portfolio companies. Private equity professionals analyze these key investments to maximize performance, focusing on high-impact assets and value creation strategies.

What do private equity secondaries do?

Private equity secondary professionals buy and sell existing private equity fund interests and portfolios in the secondary market. They analyze fund performance, valuation, and market conditions to facilitate liquidity for investors and optimize investment strategies. This role requires strong financial analysis skills and knowledge of private equity structures and valuation methods.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Private Equity Secondary roles?

Professionals in Private Equity Secondary roles often encounter challenges related to conducting thorough due diligence on complex portfolios, which may include limited transparency and incomplete information from sellers. Additionally, valuing illiquid assets and negotiating terms in a competitive market require strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Collaboration with legal, finance, and investment teams is essential to ensure smooth transaction execution, and adapting to evolving market dynamics is a key part of the role. Success in this position relies on attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously.

What is the difference between Private Equity Secondary vs Private Equity Analyst?

AspectPrivate Equity SecondaryPrivate Equity Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically MBA or equivalent, finance backgroundUndergraduate degree, finance or related field
Work EnvironmentDeal sourcing, due diligence, transaction executionFinancial modeling, market research, deal support
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate equity firms, secondary market specialistsPrivate equity firms, investment banks, consulting

Private Equity Secondary professionals focus on buying and selling existing private equity fund interests, involving complex transactions and negotiations. In contrast, Private Equity Analysts support deal processes through research, financial analysis, and modeling. While both roles require strong financial skills, the Secondary role emphasizes transaction execution in the secondary market, whereas Analysts assist in sourcing and evaluating new investments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Private Equity Secondary professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Private Equity Secondary, you need strong financial analysis, deal structuring, and due diligence skills, usually supported by a finance or business degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with financial modeling tools, databases like Preqin or PitchBook, and certifications such as CFA are highly valued. Exceptional negotiation, relationship management, and critical thinking abilities help professionals stand out in sourcing and executing transactions. These skills are crucial for accurately valuing assets, managing complex deals, and building lasting investor relationships in a competitive market.

How much do PE secondaries make?

Private equity secondary professionals typically earn base salaries ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 at entry levels, with total compensation including bonuses often exceeding $300,000 annually. Experienced professionals and those in senior roles can earn several million dollars per year, especially with carried interest and performance bonuses. Compensation varies based on firm size, location, and individual performance.

What is the highest paying job in private equity?

In private equity, the highest paying roles are typically senior partners or managing directors, who earn substantial base salaries combined with carried interest, which can significantly increase total compensation. These positions require extensive experience, strong deal-making skills, and often involve overseeing large investment portfolios and firm strategy.
More about Private Equity Secondary jobs
What cities are hiring for Private Equity Secondary jobs? Cities with the most Private Equity Secondary job openings:
What states have the most Private Equity Secondary jobs? States with the most job openings for Private Equity Secondary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Private Equity Secondary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Private Equity Secondary jobs are:
Private Equity Secondary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Equity Secondary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,180 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Associate, Private Equity

Associate, Private Equity

HighVista Strategies

Boston, MA

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

HighVista is seeking an entrepreneurial individual to join our private equity team as an Associate. HighVista has a deep history of investing in lower middle market private equity. The private equity team is currently investing out of an $800M Fund XI, which held its final close in January 2026. 


In the Associate role, the successful candidate will gain access to a multitude of private equity strategies and investment types, including direct equity co-investments, primary fund investments, and secondary investments. The Associate role offers an excellent opportunity to develop a knowledge of private equity and pursue a career in the industry. 


A successful candidate will need to work closely with team members on multiple opportunities across both our existing portfolio and investment pipeline. The Associate role is expected to touch each part of the private equity universe while benefiting from the mentorship of the broader investment team. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Screening new investment opportunities 
  • Due diligence of investment opportunities 
  • Researching specific investment themes 
  • Preparation of investment recommendations  
  • Portfolio data analysis  
  • Financial modeling 
  • Monitoring existing investments and portfolios 
  • Staying up to date with private equity market trends 

Qualifications 

  • 2-3 years of investment or financial experience with a strong interest in investing in private equity 
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and team-player with the ability to work under the guidance of senior professionals 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Demonstrated analytical abilities, specifically in finance and/or accounting 
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment 
  • Ability to build and nurture personal relationships with a diverse range of people 
  • Bachelor's degree or further education with a strong academic track record 
  • Robust work-ethic with a desire to learn 

Apply