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Salary

How much does a Principal Consultant make?

The average salary for a Principal Consultant is $152,364 per year in the US.

A Principal Consultant often earns a strong salary. On average, they make about $152,364 each year. This job pays well because it requires a lot of experience and knowledge. Companies trust these consultants to solve big problems and make important decisions.


The salary for a Principal Consultant can vary. Some earn less than $67,500, while others make more than $243,000. Most people in this role fall somewhere in the middle. Factors like location, industry, and the size of the company can affect how much someone earns. Those with more experience and a strong track record often earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Consultant?

Principal Consultant jobs offer high salaries in many cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $203,309. Other top-paying cities include Phoenix, AZ, and Seattle, WA, with salaries around $187,000 and $179,000, respectively. These cities attract top talent due to their strong job markets and high demand for consulting services. Job seekers can find excellent opportunities and competitive pay in these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Consultant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $203,309 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $149,078.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $203,309
    In San Francisco, consultants work with tech giants like Google and Salesforce. The city offers a dynamic environment with many opportunities for growth and innovation. The competitive salary reflects the high demand for skilled consultants.
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  2. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $187,623
    Phoenix provides a growing market for consultants, with companies like Intel and American Express seeking top talent. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong job market. Consultants can expect a competitive salary and a chance to work on exciting projects.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $178,904
    Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft. Consultants here enjoy a vibrant community and a strong focus on technology. The job market is competitive, with attractive salaries for skilled professionals.
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  4. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $167,391
    Charlotte offers a mix of banking and tech opportunities, with companies like Bank of America and IBM. The city provides a welcoming environment for consultants. Salaries are competitive, and the cost of living is reasonable.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $166,273
    Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and tech, with companies like Disney and Google. Consultants here enjoy a diverse job market and a vibrant lifestyle. Salaries are high, reflecting the city's dynamic economy.
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  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $165,954
    Washington, DC, offers a unique mix of government and private sector opportunities. Consultants work with companies like Deloitte and the World Bank. The city provides a prestigious work environment with competitive salaries.
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  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $164,196
    Houston is a key player in the energy sector, with companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron. Consultants here enjoy a strong job market and high salaries. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for growth.
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  8. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $153,765
    Minneapolis offers a mix of finance and tech opportunities, with companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group. The city provides a friendly environment with a strong job market. Consultants can expect competitive salaries and a high quality of life.
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  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $153,430
    Portland is known for its vibrant culture and tech startups. Consultants work with companies like Nike and Intel. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle with a strong focus on innovation. Salaries are competitive, with a growing job market.
    Find Principal Consultant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $149,078
    Chicago offers a diverse job market with companies like Accenture and JPMorgan Chase. The city provides a dynamic environment for consultants. Salaries are competitive, and the city offers a rich cultural experience.
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What are the best companies a Principal Consultant can work for?

SAP, Ahead, and DNV are among the top companies for Principal Consultant jobs, offering competitive salaries. SAP leads with an average salary of $232,058, followed closely by Ahead at $217,379. DNV offers $193,826, making these companies attractive for job seekers in this field. Concentric Energy Advisors, MongoDB, and Palo Alto Networks also provide strong compensation packages. Concentric Energy Advisors pays $190,519, MongoDB offers $183,500, and Palo Alto Networks provides $179,419. These companies are known for their excellent benefits and career growth opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Consultant jobs, highlighting SAP with the highest at $232,058 and Infosys with the lowest at $132,166.
  1. SAP
    Average Salary: $232,058
    SAP offers Principal Consultant jobs with a focus on enterprise software solutions. They operate globally, with major offices in Germany, the United States, and India. SAP values expertise and innovation in their consulting roles.


  2. Ahead
    Average Salary: $217,379
    Ahead provides Principal Consultant positions that emphasize technology and strategy. They have offices in the United States and Europe. Ahead is known for its collaborative environment and commitment to client success.


  3. DNV
    Average Salary: $193,826
    DNV offers Principal Consultant jobs in risk management and quality assurance. They operate worldwide, with significant presence in Europe and Asia. DNV focuses on providing reliable and sustainable solutions to clients.


  4. Concentric Energy Advisors
    Average Salary: $190,519
    Concentric Energy Advisors provides Principal Consultant roles in energy consulting. They have offices in the United States and Europe. The company is known for its expertise in energy markets and sustainability.


  5. MongoDB
    Average Salary: $183,500
    MongoDB offers Principal Consultant jobs focused on database management and cloud solutions. They operate globally, with major offices in the United States and Europe. MongoDB values innovation and technical excellence.


  6. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $179,419
    Palo Alto Networks provides Principal Consultant roles in cybersecurity. They have offices worldwide, including the United States and Europe. The company is known for its cutting-edge security solutions and strong client support.


  7. Ippon
    Average Salary: $170,455
    Ippon offers Principal Consultant jobs in software development and consulting. They operate in Europe, with offices in France and Italy. Ippon values creativity and technical expertise in its consulting roles.


  8. Capco
    Average Salary: $165,341
    Capco provides Principal Consultant positions in data analytics and business consulting. They have offices in the United States and Europe. Capco is known for its innovative approach and strong client partnerships.


  9. EAB
    Average Salary: $143,545
    EAB offers Principal Consultant jobs in education consulting and technology. They operate globally, with significant presence in the United States and Europe. EAB focuses on improving educational outcomes through data-driven strategies.


  10. Infosys
    Average Salary: $132,166
    Infosys provides Principal Consultant roles in IT consulting and services. They have offices worldwide, including the United States and Europe. Infosys values expertise and client-focused solutions in its consulting roles.

How to earn more as a Principal Consultant?

A Principal Consultant can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong reputation in the industry can lead to higher-paying projects. Networking with other professionals and gaining referrals can open doors to lucrative opportunities. Staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies ensures that a consultant remains competitive. Investing in professional development and certifications can also enhance skills and marketability. Finally, negotiating effectively for higher rates and better contracts can significantly impact earnings.

To maximize earnings, a Principal Consultant should consider the following factors:

  1. Industry Reputation: Establish a strong presence in the industry through successful projects and client testimonials.
  2. Networking: Build relationships with other professionals to gain referrals and learn about new opportunities.
  3. Continuous Learning: Stay current with industry trends and technologies to remain competitive.
  4. Professional Development: Invest in certifications and training to enhance skills and knowledge.
  5. Negotiation Skills: Learn to negotiate higher rates and better contract terms to increase earnings.

Currently 84 Principal Consultant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Principal Consultant in the US?

Learn what a Principal Consultant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Principal Consultant today.
Position
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Principal Consultant
84 Job Openings