BCG offer

Congrats on your BCG offer! Let’s clarify negotiation.

• Base salary: Not negotiable. Every consultant starts at the same grid. Trying to push here risks goodwill.
• What is negotiable: Sign-on bonus (cleanest lever), relocation/housing allowance (especially in the Middle East), and sometimes flight or schooling support if relevant. These are handled case by case.
• Middle East specifics: Packages here look different. Base may seem lower, but when you factor in tax-free income, allowances, insurance, and flights, the total package often exceeds European offices. Family status can shift allowances significantly.
• Tactics that work: Don’t say “I want more.” Instead, frame it around practical needs: “Given my relocation situation, is there flexibility on sign-on or allowance to ensure a smooth transition?” Linking the ask to real costs makes it far stronger.

Bottom line:
You can’t move base. You can get movement on sign-on or allowances if you handle it with tact. Negotiate with professionalism. You’ve already won the hardest prize: the offer.

Hope this helps!
Sidi

___________________

Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Congrats on the offer! I’m assuming that you have some market knowledge based on which you think the allowance is lower than expectations. If so, you can use such facts to negotiate the allowances. Two other things you can do: 1) leverage competing offers and/or 2) realistically present how the increase in allowance or other financial compensation will help address a need

Honest, personal conversations can go a long way! Hopefully you’ve built a relationship with your main point of contact through the interview process and can speak with them in such a way 

Good luck! 

Typically you cannot negotiate an offer - the idea is that every class starts at the same base pay which is then adjusted annually based on individual and firm performance. What I have seen people have more luck with is sign on bonuses which are more negotiable. 

What would help is for you to demonstrate that taking the role at BCG at the offered pay is a significant financial hit for you, which will bolster your case for some kind of allowance.

Best,

Udayan

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from BCG!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, typically, it is unfortunately impossible to negotiative your base salary or performance bonuses.
• Moreover, while base salary and performance bonuses are usually non-negotiable, you may consider negotiating a relocation bonus if applicable. You can find more on exactly this topic here.
• Lastly, I would strongly advise you to approach the negotiation from a practical angle, not as a demand. You can say something like, “Given my relocation and family needs, is there flexibility on the package to support the transition?” That tends to work better than simply asking for more.

You can find more on this topic here: Salaries in the consulting industry.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

congrats on the offer! Good to be you!

You cannot negotiate base salary. You can try to negotiate other elements of compensation: sign-on bonus, housing, etc.

Best,
Lukas

Congrats!

The base salary likely cannot be negotiated. That's beause there are salary bands for each role. 

What can be negotiated, but only in the offices that offer this, are the signing bonus and the relocation bonus.

Best,
Cristian

Hey there :)

Congrats on the offer! Yes, you can negotiate, especially if you have market data or competing offers. Salaries for experienced hires at BCG in the Middle East vary by office and experience, but for Riyadh, base plus allowances for a consultant usually ranges around 150–200k USD total package, depending on your background. Highlight your experience and the value you bring when negotiating.

You can reach out if you want tips on negotiation strategy!

best, Alessa :)

Hi,

Base salary and variable bonus bands are fixed in BCG - so there is no negotiation for that. As others have mentioned though, you can try for relocation/signing bonus (assuming you are an experienced hire and not an MBA hire through campus recruitment).

All the best!