The consulting industry is experiencing a complex economic landscape in 2025, with starting salaries remaining unchanged despite continued high demand for consulting services, according to the latest report from Management Consulted.
First-year consultants can expect base salaries of approximately $112,000 for undergraduate hires and up to $192,000 for MBA graduates. This compensation stability stems from multiple interconnected factors, primarily enhanced productivity through artificial intelligence and strategic workforce management.
AI's impact on productivity is enabling consulting firms to maintain operational efficiency with leaner staffing, effectively constraining salary growth. The report highlights significant market dynamics, with outsized demand concentrated in specific sectors including supply chain, cloud technologies, and healthcare.
Recruitment strategies are also evolving, with firms increasingly prioritizing pre-MBA hires to maintain financial margins. This shift reflects a broader strategic approach to talent acquisition and cost management.
The consulting industry's trends are particularly significant as they often serve as a predictive indicator for broader economic developments. Recommendations and strategies first implemented in consulting frequently cascade into larger corporate environments, making this report a crucial economic barometer.
Despite potential global macroeconomic improvements in 2025, persistent challenges such as inflation and high interest rates could limit industry growth. The labor market shows no immediate signs of returning to its previous high-intensity state, suggesting continued conservative compensation approaches.
Management Consulted's research, based on data from over 4 million readers and industry participants, provides a comprehensive view of the consulting sector's current economic positioning and future trajectory.
