Which Big 4 internship pays the most?

Among the Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG—internship compensation varies based on factors such as role, location, and specific service line. Here's an overview of their internship pay structures:

1. Deloitte:

  • Consulting Interns: Typically earn between 32 to 35 per hour, with potential signing bonuses.
  • Audit and Tax Interns: Generally receive slightly lower hourly rates compared to consulting roles.

2. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers):

  • Consulting Interns: Hourly rates range from 30 to 33, with additional benefits like signing bonuses.
  • Audit and Tax Interns: Compensation is competitive but may be lower than consulting positions.

3. Ernst & Young (EY):

  • Consulting Interns: Earn approximately 30 to 32 per hour, with possible bonuses.
  • Audit and Tax Interns: Hourly rates are competitive, though typically less than consulting roles.

4. KPMG:

  • Consulting Interns: Hourly pay ranges from 29 to 31, with potential additional compensation.
  • Audit and Tax Interns: Receive competitive hourly rates, generally lower than consulting interns.

Conclusion: While all Big Four firms offer competitive internship compensation, Deloitte and PwC often provide the highest hourly rates for consulting interns, typically ranging from 32 to 35 per hour. Audit and tax internship positions generally offer slightly lower pay across all firms. It's important to note that these figures can vary based on geographic location, specific service lines, and individual qualifications.

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Arslan Ahmad
Arslan Ahmad
ex-FAANG engineering manager and author or Grokking series.
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