Management Consultant Salary in USA 2025
McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Big 4, and strategy firm tiers
Average Management Consultant Salary
How Much Do Management Consultants Earn in 2025?
Management consultants advise organizations on strategy, operations, technology, and transformation. They work for consulting firms ranging from elite strategy boutiques to large professional services firms.
2025 management consultant salaries vary by firm tier: MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) pays $100,000–$200,000+, Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) pays $80,000–$150,000, and boutique firms pay $70,000–$130,000. MBA graduates at MBB start at $190,000+ total comp.
Firm tier and MBA pedigree are the largest salary drivers. MBB pays 30–50% more than Big 4. Partners at top firms earn $500,000–$2,000,000+. For context, see jobs that pay $100K and the average salary in the US.
Management Consultant Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| MBB Analyst (Undergrad) | $100,000–$120,000 TC |
| MBB Associate (Post-MBA) | $190,000–$230,000 TC |
| Big 4 Consultant | $80,000–$120,000 |
| Big 4 Senior Manager | $150,000–$200,000 |
| MBB Partner | $700,000–$2,000,000+ |
| Signing Bonus (MBA) | $25,000–$50,000 |
Use our salary calculator for conversions.
Management Consultant Salary by Firm Tier
| Firm Tier | Entry (Undergrad) | Post-MBA | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBB (McKinsey/BCG/Bain) | $100K–$120K TC | $190K–$230K TC | $700K–$2M+ |
| Tier 2 Strategy | $85K–$105K TC | $160K–$200K TC | $400K–$1M+ |
| Big 4 Strategy | $80K–$100K | $150K–$180K | $350K–$800K |
| Big 4 Operations | $70K–$90K | $130K–$160K | $300K–$600K |
MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)
Analyst: $100,000–$120,000 TC (base $90K–$100K + bonus)
Post-MBA Associate: $190,000–$230,000 TC (base + $25K–$50K signing bonus)
Partner: $700,000–$2,000,000+ (base + profit share)
Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
Entry: $70,000–$100,000 depending on practice
Post-MBA: $130,000–$180,000
Strategy practices pay more than operations/implementation.
Management Consultant Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Years | MBB Total Comp | Big 4 Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst/Consultant | 0–2 | $100K–$140K | $70K–$95K |
| Associate/Senior | 2–4 | $190K–$250K | $95K–$130K |
| Engagement Manager | 4–6 | $250K–$350K | $130K–$170K |
| Principal/Director | 6–10 | $350K–$500K | $170K–$250K |
| Partner | 10+ | $700K–$2M+ | $300K–$800K |
MBA Impact on Consulting Salary
| Entry Type | MBB Total Comp | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Undergrad Hire (Analyst) | $100K–$120K | Baseline |
| MBA Hire (Associate) | $190K–$230K | +$70K–$110K |
MBA from top program is primary path to Associate level at MBB. First-year comp: $200,000–$250,000+.
How to Increase Your Consulting Salary
Target MBB Over Big 4
MBB pays $190K–$230K post-MBA versus Big 4 $130K–$180K (+40–50%).
Pursue Top MBA
MBA enables Associate entry at $190K+ versus Analyst at $100K–$120K.
Specialize in Strategy
Strategy practices pay highest. Digital and M&A also command premiums.
Make Partner
Partner compensation: $700K–$2M+ at MBB, $300K–$800K at Big 4.
See our salary negotiation guide.
Career Path and Exit Opportunities
| Exit Type | Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Strategy | Strategy Director | $150K–$300K |
| Private Equity | Associate/VP | $200K–$500K+ |
| Tech | Product/Operations | $150K–$300K |
Related Roles
Product Manager: $130,000–$200,000+
Lawyer (Corporate): $190,000–$400,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average management consultant salary in 2025?
Management consultants earn $100,000–$175,000 on average. MBB pays $100K–$200K+ for consultants and $190K–$230K for post-MBA Associates. Big 4 pays $70K–$150K.
How much do McKinsey consultants make?
McKinsey Analysts (undergrad): $100K–$120K TC. Associates (post-MBA): $190K–$230K TC. Engagement Managers: $250K–$350K. Partners: $700K–$2M+.
Is consulting worth it for salary?
Yes, for high earners. Post-MBA MBB pays $190K–$230K immediately. Partners reach $700K–$2M+. Exit opportunities to PE, corporate strategy pay $150K–$500K+. Trade-off: 60–80 hour weeks, travel.
Do you need an MBA for consulting?
Not required but highly valued. MBA enables direct Associate entry at MBB ($190K+ vs $100K as Analyst). Top performers can be promoted without MBA. PhD/JD sometimes substitute.