According to the 2020 Private Equity and Venture Capital Compensation Report, 68 percent of respondents reported having total compensation greater than $200,000. The largest bonus payouts were achieved at firms that had more than $1 billion of assets under management. Salary.com reported that the average salary for venture capitalists in September 2020 was $188,852. Salaries ranged from $94,903 or less to $266,945 or more.
Venture capitalists also can also invest their own money alongside the firm in some deals (this is called co-investment). If a fund is successful, the return on their investment can far exceed salary and bonuses. Venture capitalists also receive carry, which is a percentage of the profits the firm makes. A partner might start with 0.5 percent and move to 4 percent over his/her career. For example, if a firm has a $100 million fund and triples it over eight years, profit might be $200 million. A 1 percent carry would thus be worth $2 million.
In addition to salary, co-investment, and carry, venture capitalists receive benefits such as vacation days, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan.