Harris Williams and Solomon Partners are both middle-market banks with different sizes and sector focuses. Harris Williams scores 4 out of 5 for compensation and training versus Solomon's 4 and 3 respectively. Both score 3 out of 5 for prestige, work-life balance, and exits. Harris Williams has a larger analyst class of 50-70 versus Solomon's 20-30. Harris Williams focuses on sell-side middle-market M&A in industrials, healthcare, and business services with PNC Financial backing. Solomon Partners focuses on media, consumer, and real estate advisory from its New York base. Both provide solid middle-market experiences with different sector emphases.
Prep for both firms
Practice interview questions for any bank on this list.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Harris Williams vs Solomon Partners (2026)
Harris Williams
Middle Market
Solomon Partners
Middle MarketSide-by-Side Comparison
HWMetricSolomon
Middle MarketTierMiddle Market
3/5Prestige3/5
4/5Compensation4/5
4/5Training Program3/5
3/5Exit Opportunities3/5
3/5Work-Life Balance3/5
$$169K-$202KAN1 Total Comp$$165K-$198K
moderateInterview Difficultymoderate
3 roundsInterview Rounds2 rounds
~7-9%Acceptance Rate~8-10%
50-70Analyst Class Size20-30
Healthcare, Technology, Business ServicesTop GroupsConsumer, Retail, Healthcare
Culture Comparison
HWSolomon
Prestige
Compensation
Training Program
Exit Opportunities
Work-Life Balance
The Verdict
Choose Harris Williams for stronger training, PE sponsor-focused deal experience, and PNC backing. Choose Solomon Partners if media, consumer, or real estate advisory is your primary interest, or if you prefer a smaller New York boutique. Harris Williams is generally the stronger choice for structured career development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for PE-focused careers?
Harris Williams has the edge for PE careers given its focus on PE sponsor-backed sell-side transactions. This provides direct exposure to the types of deals middle-market PE firms execute.
Which is better for media advisory?
Solomon Partners has deeper media and entertainment advisory expertise. Harris Williams does not focus on media. For media-focused banking careers, Solomon is the clear choice.
How do the sizes compare?
Harris Williams is significantly larger with 50-70 analysts versus Solomon's 20-30. Harris Williams' larger platform provides more deal flow and peer networking, while Solomon offers more intimate deal team dynamics.
