- Multiple factors influence your consulting salary, including prior experience, entry level, location, and the firm’s specialization.
- Many consulting firms offer attractive compensation packages. Whether MBB, the Big Four, or well-known boutiques, pay is often competitive but varies by country and market.
- The overall package matters most. Make sure salary, benefits, firm culture, and development opportunities align with your personal goals and long-term career plans.
Consulting Salaries Overview
Key Takeaways
“Talking about salary is taboo”? Not here. 😊 In the consulting industry, many rumors circulate around consulting salaries but how high is the entry-level salary in consulting really? How do base salary, bonus, and benefits add up? And what are the differences between MBB, Tier 2 firms, and the Big Four? In this section, you’ll find transparent insights into consulting compensation and what to expect financially when entering the industry.
Which Consulting Firms Pay the Highest Salaries?
If you are wondering where you can earn the highest salary in consulting, it helps to look at the leading firms. Typically, the following companies offer the most attractive compensation packages:
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Bain & Company
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
However, these top consulting firms differ in salary structure, bonus schemes, and benefits. Rather than focusing only on headline numbers, it’s important to consider the full package, including base pay, bonuses, additional benefits, and development opportunities.
Career progression, responsibility, project exposure, and work-life balance should also play a role in your decision. In the long run, a sustainable and fulfilling consulting career matters just as much as your monthly paycheck.
Which Consulting Firms Pay the Most?
How Do Consulting Salaries Differ Across Countries?
Consulting salaries can vary significantly by country, not only in terms of entry-level pay but also regarding bonuses, career progression, and overall compensation packages. This makes it especially important to look at the international market if you are open to different locations or working abroad. Understanding global differences helps you benchmark salaries realistically and make informed career decisions.
To help you get a clear overview, we have compiled detailed salary insights for many key consulting markets around the world.
Must-Read Articles About Consulting Salaries by Country
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