How much does a Business Consultant make?
A Business Consultant helps companies improve their operations and performance. They earn a solid salary for their expertise. On average, a Business Consultant makes about $124,720 each year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the company they work for.
The salary for a Business Consultant can vary widely. The lowest 10% earn less than $44,200. The top 10% earn more than $290,000. Most consultants fall somewhere in the middle. Here are some common salary ranges:
- 10% earn less than $44,200
- 25% earn less than $68,818
- 50% earn less than $93,436
- 75% earn less than $118,055
- 90% earn less than $142,673
What are the highest paying cities for a Business Consultant?

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Knoxville, TN
Average Salary: $216,700
In Knoxville, consultants work with a mix of local businesses and national firms. The city's growing tech scene offers unique opportunities. Companies like IBM and Pilot Travel Centers provide diverse consulting needs.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $210,658
Buffalo offers a mix of manufacturing and healthcare sectors for consultants. The city's strong community ties create a collaborative work environment. Local firms like M&T Bank and Tops Markets are prominent.
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Little Rock, AR
Average Salary: $171,683
Little Rock provides a blend of agriculture and government sectors for consultants. The city's growing startup scene offers fresh challenges. Companies like Alltel and Winrock International are key players.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $169,471
Milwaukee's industrial roots offer rich opportunities for consultants. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson provide diverse consulting needs.
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Louisville, KY
Average Salary: $161,816
Louisville's mix of manufacturing and healthcare sectors makes it ideal for consultants. The city's rich history and culture add to the experience. Firms like Humana and Yum! Brands offer varied consulting opportunities.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $159,382
Albany's government and healthcare sectors provide a stable environment for consultants. The city's rich history and culture enhance the work experience. Companies like MVP Health Care and New York State Government offer diverse opportunities.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $158,276
Kansas City offers a mix of finance and healthcare sectors for consultants. The city's vibrant arts scene makes it a great place to work. Companies like Sprint and HCA Midwest Health provide varied consulting needs.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $156,470
Charleston's tourism and maritime sectors offer unique challenges for consultants. The city's rich history and culture enhance the work experience. Companies like Boeing and SCE&G provide diverse opportunities.
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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $156,040
Cleveland's manufacturing and healthcare sectors provide a stable environment for consultants. The city's vibrant arts scene adds to the experience. Companies like KeyCorp and University Hospitals offer varied consulting needs.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $155,465
Portland's tech and healthcare sectors offer fresh challenges for consultants. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience. Companies like Nike and Providence Health & Services provide diverse opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Business Consultant can work for?

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Global Resources, LLC
Average Salary: $239,113
Global Resources, LLC offers rewarding Business Consultant roles. They operate in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and technology. Locations include Houston, New York, and Los Angeles.
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Rockport Healthcare Services
Average Salary: $186,875
Rockport Healthcare Services provides Business Consultant positions with a focus on healthcare management. They serve multiple locations across the U.S., including Texas, Florida, and California.
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Mastercard
Average Salary: $177,909
Mastercard offers Business Consultant jobs with a focus on financial technology. They operate globally, with major offices in New York, London, and Singapore.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $163,138
Kaiser Permanente provides Business Consultant roles in healthcare management. They have locations throughout the West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
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EY
Average Salary: $159,377
EY offers Business Consultant positions with a focus on audit and advisory services. They have offices worldwide, including New York, London, and Sydney.
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Hunter Engineering Company
Average Salary: $149,747
Hunter Engineering Company provides Business Consultant roles in engineering and consulting. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S., including Texas, Florida, and California.
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PwC
Average Salary: $142,952
PwC offers Business Consultant positions with a focus on audit and advisory services. They have offices worldwide, including New York, London, and Singapore.
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CHG Healthcare
Average Salary: $142,500
CHG Healthcare provides Business Consultant roles in healthcare staffing and management. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S., including Colorado, Texas, and Florida.
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Veeva Systems
Average Salary: $141,364
Veeva Systems offers Business Consultant positions with a focus on life sciences. They have offices worldwide, including California, New York, and London.
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Optum
Average Salary: $132,167
Optum provides Business Consultant roles in healthcare management. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S., including Minnesota, California, and Texas.
How to earn more as a Business Consultant?
A Business Consultant can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Specialization is crucial. Consultants who specialize in a specific industry or area of expertise often command higher fees. Clients seek specialists who understand their unique challenges and can provide tailored solutions.
Networking plays a significant role in earning more. Building strong relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and new opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn can enhance a consultant's visibility and credibility. Continuous learning and professional development also boost earnings. Staying updated with the latest trends and acquiring new skills can make a consultant more valuable. Certifications, workshops, and advanced degrees can open doors to higher-paying projects.
Effective marketing and branding are essential. A consultant who markets their services well can attract more clients and negotiate better rates. Creating a professional website, using social media, and offering free webinars or workshops can showcase expertise and build a strong personal brand. Lastly, delivering exceptional results can lead to higher compensation. Meeting and exceeding client expectations can result in repeat business and positive referrals, which are key to long-term success.
Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings as a Business Consultant:
- Specialization: Focus on a specific industry or area of expertise.
- Networking: Build strong relationships with other professionals.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and acquire new skills.
- Effective Marketing: Create a professional presence and showcase expertise.
- Delivering Results: Meet and exceed client expectations for repeat business.