It certainly pays to work at these private equity firms. : Finding a job in private equity is no easy task. One firm recently told us that it receives 250 applications for every available role. While there are several reasons for the industry’s popularity, compensation is surely the leading factor. PE firms pay extremely well, and compensation at the top of the market is only growing. The rankings come from a new report from Wall Street Oasis, which asked employees how their compensation compared with similar jobs in private equity.