Consulting Salaries in the DACH Region

If you want to enter the consulting industry as a graduate, you have to show outstanding achievements in your CV and successfully master a strenuous application process including case interviews and assessment centers. Nevertheless, there are many benefits that come with a start in consulting.

For many graduates, in addition to prestige and the wide range of job opportunities, salaries are decisive when choosing a career. We have therefore taken a look at salaries in the DACH region, i.e. in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, so that you can see what is generally possible.

1. Starting Salaries for Consultants in the DACH Region

2. The Highest Starting Salaries: Switzerland

Below you can see what salaries are paid on average in the DACH region. Keep in mind that these are the fixed salaries to get you started. You can find out what you can expect in addition to the fixed salary in consulting in our article on the salary composition in consulting.

Germany:
According to Payscale, the average salary for a management consultant in Germany is around 60.000€ per year. The median, i.e. the value that is exactly in the middle, is around 58.000€. For job starters, the minimum salary starts at around 50.000€. Depending on the focus, degree and previous expertise (e.g. through internships and working student activities), the salary here rises to up to 103.000€.

Austria:
In Austria, salaries in the consulting sector are similar to those in Germany. The average is around 58.000€ per year. For young professionals, you can expect a starting salary of around 48.000€. Depending on the specialization, however, the salary can also be significantly higher than this value and exceed the 90.000€ mark.

Switzerland:
Switzerland, known for its high cost of living, also offers correspondingly higher salaries. A management consultant can expect an average annual salary of around CHF 120.000. Beginners often start with a salary of around CHF 80.000, but with the necessary experience, you can easily reach a salary of over CHF 150.000.

Now let's take a closer look at how the individual DACH countries compare.

3. Management Consultant Salaries in Germany: A Deeper Dive

If you're thinking about entering the consulting industry, salary is certainly one of the factors you'll want to consider. According to Payscale, job starters in Germany start with a salary of around 50.000€ per year, but this is the average across all industries and all jobs advertised as "consultants". If you look at the data from Levels.fyi, they show that the median salary for a management consultant in Germany alone is an impressive 81.274€ in the first year.

Comparison of consulting salaries in Germany: where could you be?

The upside potential: How far can it go?

The figures clearly show that there is considerable potential for advancement in the consulting industry in Germany. With dedication, continuous training and networking, you can significantly increase your income.

4. Consulting Salaries in Switzerland: A Lucrative Career Path

Switzerland, known for its high quality of life and its status as one of the richest countries in the world, also reflects this reputation in salaries for professions in the consulting sector. A look at the figures shows that management consultants in Switzerland can expect impressive salaries.

The median value for the total salary is a whopping 127.788€ per year. This means that half of all consultants in Switzerland earn more and the other half less than this amount. Young professionals and those who are at the beginning of their consulting career can expect a salary of around 119.773€, which is the 25th percentile. However, with growing experience and expertise in specialized fields, consultants in Switzerland can earn significantly more.

The salary for those in the 75th percentile is around 149.173€, while the top 10% of consultants in the industry can even expect salaries of up to 191.036€. These figures not only underline the attractiveness of the consulting industry in Switzerland, but also show the significant financial potential and growth opportunities in this sector. It is clear that a career as a management consultant in Switzerland can offer not only professional fulfillment, but also financial security and prosperity.

5. Starting Salaries for Management Consultants in Austria

In Austria, the consulting industry offers not only exciting career opportunities, but also attractive salary prospects. According to 2023 data, the average base salary for a management consultant entry-level is an impressive 58.000€ per year. While the median value, i.e. the value that is exactly in the middle, is 68.000€. More experienced consultants who are in the 75th percentile can expect a salary of over 90.000€.

Overall, it can be seen that Austria offers financially attractive opportunities for young professionals and experienced professionals in the consulting sector. So it's worth considering this career path!

6. Special Payments for Consultants in the DACH Region

What you should know:

In addition to the basic salary, special payments are an important part of the total income of consultants in the DACH region. These payments can take the form of bonuses, rewards, or other financial incentives and are often tied to individual performance, the achievement of certain goals, or the success of the company.

What are special payments?

Special payments are additional payments over and above the base salary that consultants may receive as a result of special achievements, project achievements, or as part of a bonus program. They can be paid on a one-off basis or on a regular basis, e.g. annually, and are often an incentive for above-average performance.

Special payments in the DACH region:

Special payments can account for a significant proportion of the total income of consultants in the DACH region. Not only do they provide a financial incentive for excellence, but they also reflect the value that consultants create for their companies. So, if you're considering a career in consulting, consider not only the base salary, but also the potential special payments to get a complete picture of your income opportunities.

7. Conclusion

The DACH region offers highly qualified graduates like you attractive salary opportunities in the consulting sector. While Switzerland is at the top in terms of salary, Germany and Austria also offer competitive salaries, especially when you consider the cost of living. So, if you're considering entering this exciting and challenging industry, you can rest assured that your financial rewards will match the dedication and hard work.