Ernst & Young (EY) is one of the world's most prestigious professional services firms and a member of the Big 4 — the quartet of accounting giants that dominate global consulting, audit, and tax. Understanding the full compensation picture is essential before applying or negotiating an offer.
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EY Consultant Salaries
The consulting track at EY spans from entry-level Associate Consultants through to Equity Partners. Each step brings a substantial jump in base salary, bonuses, and profit-sharing eligibility.
💼
Associate Consultant
Entry Level · Consulting
Sign-on Bonus
Up to $5,000
Total Compensation$83,000
Unlimited PTO
25% 401k Match (up to 6%)
📊
Senior Consultant
Mid Level · Consulting
Total Compensation$105,000
Unlimited PTO
Sign-on up to $5K
🏆
Senior Manager
Senior Level · Consulting
Total Compensation$200,000
📋
Consulting Director
Director Level
Total Compensation$222,700
Profit Sharing unlocked
⭐
Partner
Partner Track · Equity
Total Compensation$600,000
EY Audit (Assurance) Salaries
EY Assurance covers Audit, Forensics, and Integrity services. The audit track rewards seniority with profit-sharing that kicks in at the Senior Staff level.
🔍
Audit Staff 1–2
Entry Level · Audit
Total Compensation$66,600
📑
Audit Senior Staff
Mid Level · Audit
Total Compensation$82,000
Profit Sharing starts here
🗂️
Audit Manager
Manager Level · Audit
Total Compensation$116,000
EY Advisory Salaries
EY Advisory covers risk, technology, and performance improvement consulting. The jump from Staff to Manager is particularly significant — nearly double the total compensation.
💡
Advisory Staff
Entry Level · Advisory
Total Compensation$80,000
🎯
Advisory Manager
Manager Level · Advisory
Total Compensation$161,000
Full comp package unlocked
The 7 Components of EY Compensation
Understanding every element of your EY offer is critical — not all compensation is paid at the same time, and some come with vesting schedules or performance conditions.
01
Base Salary
Your guaranteed annual pay before bonuses or deductions. Your negotiation anchor.
02
Cash Bonus
Based on individual performance, team production, and role. Typically paid annually.
03
PTO
Unlimited paid time off at many levels — one of the more generous Big 4 policies.
04
Signing Bonus
One-time on joining. May include a clawback clause if you leave within 12–24 months.
05
Relocation
Up to $2,000 for moves to a new city. Check if it's reimbursement or direct payment.
06
Retirement Plan
25% employer match up to 6% of salary. Max this out — it's free money.
07
Stock Award
Equity available at Director and Partner level. Typically multi-year vesting.
Important: Always read your contract carefully. Stock awards, signing bonuses, and profit sharing come with contingencies, vesting schedules, or performance thresholds that affect when you actually receive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an EY Associate Consultant make?+
An EY Associate Consultant earns approximately $83,000 in total compensation, made up of a $75,000 base salary plus $7,800 in cash bonuses. Additional benefits include unlimited PTO, sign-on bonus up to $5,000, relocation assistance up to $2,000, and a 401k with a 25% employer match up to 6% of salary.
What is EY's base salary for Audit Staff?+
EY Audit Staff 1-2 earn a base salary of $63,000, with total compensation of approximately $66,600. Audit Senior Staff move up to a $77,451 base ($82,000 total), and Audit Managers reach $106,733 base ($116,000 total). Profit sharing becomes available at the Senior Staff level.
How much do EY Partners earn?+
EY Partners in the United States earn approximately $600,000 in total annual compensation: $513,708 base salary, $42,887 in cash bonuses, and $54,313 in profit sharing. Partner compensation varies by practice area, geography, and firm performance.
When does profit sharing kick in at EY?+
Profit sharing begins at the Senior Staff and Senior Consultant levels. At Audit Senior Staff it's $2,421. It grows as you move up: Tax Seniors receive $7,720 and Advisory Managers receive $5,483. At Director level it's $5,000 and becomes a major component of Partner compensation.
Is EY compensation competitive vs. other Big 4?+
EY salaries are broadly competitive with Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG. In employee surveys, 335 employees reported salaries superior to other companies in the same industry. Compensation differs between firms at specific levels and locations, so compare offers directly.
What is the EY Tax Senior total compensation?+
An EY Tax Senior earns approximately $92,000 in total compensation: $80,181 base salary, $3,148 cash bonus, $7,720 profit sharing, and $1,008 in commission sharing. This is the first level where all three variable compensation types are available simultaneously.