How much does a Principal Consultant make?
A Principal Consultant often earns a good salary. On average, they make around $153,011 per year. This job pays well because it requires a lot of experience and knowledge. Companies trust Principal Consultants to make important decisions and guide projects. This responsibility comes with a higher pay.
The salary for a Principal Consultant can vary. Some earn as little as $67,500, while others make over $250,000. Most fall between $100,000 and $200,000. This range shows how much experience and skills can affect earnings. Those with more experience and better skills often earn more. Companies in certain industries, like tech or finance, may also pay higher salaries. This job offers good earning potential for those who work hard and build their skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Consultant?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $203,309
In San Francisco, consultants lead projects for tech giants like Google and Salesforce. The city's vibrant tech scene offers many opportunities for growth and innovation. The competitive salary reflects the high demand for skilled consultants.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $187,623
Phoenix offers a dynamic environment for consultants, with companies like Intel and American Express seeking top talent. The city's growing business landscape provides a fertile ground for career advancement. Consultants enjoy a good work-life balance and a strong professional community.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $177,755
Seattle is home to tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft, making it a prime location for consultants. The city's innovative spirit and collaborative culture attract top professionals. Consultants benefit from a high quality of life and competitive compensation.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $167,391
Charlotte offers a mix of financial and tech firms, including Bank of America and IBM. The city's growing business sector provides diverse opportunities for consultants. The cost of living is reasonable, and the community is welcoming and professional.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Charlotte, NC
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $166,339
In Washington, DC, consultants work with government agencies and major corporations. The city's political and economic influence offers unique challenges and opportunities. The professional network is extensive, and the salary is attractive.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Washington, DC
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $166,273
Los Angeles is a hub for entertainment and tech, with companies like Disney and Amazon. The city's diverse industries provide varied opportunities for consultants. The vibrant lifestyle and strong economy make it an appealing place to work.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Houston, TX
Average Salary: $161,733
Houston's energy sector and healthcare industry offer many opportunities for consultants. Companies like ExxonMobil and Houston Methodist seek skilled professionals. The city's growth and diverse economy provide a stable career path.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Houston, TX
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $150,201
Minneapolis is known for its financial and insurance sectors, with firms like U.S. Bank and Target. The city's friendly atmosphere and strong professional network support career growth. Consultants enjoy a good balance between work and leisure.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $149,205
Chicago offers a mix of finance and manufacturing, with companies like JPMorgan Chase and Boeing. The city's rich history and diverse industries provide many opportunities. Consultants benefit from a vibrant professional community and a dynamic work environment.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $144,304
Dallas is a key player in the tech and energy sectors, with companies like AT&T and ExxonMobil. The city's fast-paced business environment offers many opportunities for consultants. The cost of living is moderate, and the professional network is strong.
Find Principal Consultant jobs in Dallas, TX
What are the best companies a Principal Consultant can work for?

-
SAP
Average Salary: $230,704
SAP offers Principal Consultant jobs with a focus on enterprise software solutions. They operate globally, with major offices in locations such as Walldorf, Germany, and Austin, Texas. SAP values expertise in cloud computing and data analytics.
-
Ahead
Average Salary: $223,349
Ahead provides Principal Consultant roles that emphasize digital transformation. They have offices in cities like New York, San Francisco, and London. Ahead focuses on helping businesses adopt new technologies to improve efficiency.
-
Concentric Energy Advisors
Average Salary: $191,401
Concentric Energy Advisors offers Principal Consultant jobs in the energy sector. They operate in major cities like Houston, New York, and San Francisco. The company specializes in energy market analysis and consulting.
-
MongoDB
Average Salary: $183,455
MongoDB provides Principal Consultant roles focused on database management. They have offices in cities like San Francisco, New York, and London. MongoDB is known for its flexible data management solutions.
-
Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $179,514
Palo Alto Networks offers Principal Consultant jobs in cybersecurity. They operate in cities like Santa Clara, New York, and London. The company is a leader in network security solutions.
-
DNV
Average Salary: $176,875
DNV provides Principal Consultant roles in the maritime and energy sectors. They have offices in cities like Oslo, Houston, and Singapore. DNV focuses on risk management and quality assurance.
-
Ippon
Average Salary: $170,455
Ippon offers Principal Consultant jobs in the technology sector. They operate in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Tokyo. Ippon specializes in software development and digital transformation.
-
Capco
Average Salary: $165,341
Capco provides Principal Consultant roles in the financial services sector. They have offices in cities like New York, London, and Singapore. Capco focuses on data analytics and business consulting.
-
EAB
Average Salary: $143,545
EAB offers Principal Consultant jobs in the education sector. They operate in major cities like Washington, D.C., and Boston. EAB focuses on higher education consulting and research.
-
Infosys
Average Salary: $130,633
Infosys provides Principal Consultant roles in the IT sector. They have offices in cities like Bangalore, New York, and London. Infosys specializes in consulting, technology, and outsourcing services.
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 and network can lead to higher-paying projects. This involves consistently delivering high-quality work and seeking referrals from satisfied clients. Networking at industry events and through professional organizations can also open doors to lucrative opportunities. Another factor is gaining specialized certifications and skills that are in demand. This can make a consultant more attractive to potential employers and clients. Staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies ensures that a consultant remains competitive and valuable.
Expanding service offerings can also lead to higher earnings. This might include offering new services or consulting in different areas of expertise. Taking on leadership roles within projects or teams can also increase earning potential. This involves managing projects and guiding junior consultants, which often comes with higher pay. Finally, negotiating contracts effectively ensures that a consultant receives fair compensation for their work. Understanding market rates and being confident in negotiations can make a significant difference in earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Principal Consultant:
- Build a strong reputation and network.
- Gain specialized certifications and skills.
- Expand service offerings.
- Take on leadership roles.
- Negotiate contracts effectively.