MBA graduates in consulting earn some of the highest salaries in the industry. Compensation varies based on the firm, location, and experience level. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries for MBA graduates in consulting at top firms.
Base Salary for MBA Graduates in Consulting
Most top consulting firms offer a base salary of $175,000 to $200,000 for MBA hires in the United States. Salaries in Europe and Asia may be slightly lower.
Performance Bonuses and Other Benefits
In addition to the base salary, consultants earn performance-based bonuses, signing bonuses, and other benefits:
- Performance Bonus: $35,000 to $60,000
- Signing Bonus: $25,000 to $30,000
- Relocation Stipend: Provided by some firms
- Retirement and Profit Sharing: Available at select firms
Salaries at Top Consulting Firms
Here’s what MBA graduates can expect at leading consulting firms:
1. McKinsey & Company
Base Salary: $192,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $45,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Base Salary: $190,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $50,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
3. Bain & Company
Base Salary: $192,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $50,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
4. Deloitte Consulting
Base Salary: $175,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $40,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
5. PwC Strategy&
Base Salary: $175,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $45,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
6. EY-Parthenon
Base Salary: $175,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $45,000
Signing Bonus: $25,000
7. KPMG Advisory
Base Salary: $170,000
Perormance Bonus: Up to $40,000
Signing Bonus: $25,000
8. Accenture Strategy
Base Salary: $175,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $40,000
Signing Bonus: $25,000
9. Oliver Wyman
Base Salary: $190,000
Performance Bonus: Up to $50,000
Signing Bonus: $30,000
10. Roland Berger
Base Salary: $160,000 to $175,000
Performance Bonus: Varies by region
Signing Bonus: Around $25,000
Total Compensation for MBA Graduates in Consulting
Adding base salary, bonuses, and other incentives, the total first-year earnings for MBA graduates at top consulting firms can range from $200,000 to $250,000.
If you’re considering a career in consulting, strong problem-solving skills and case interview preparation will help you land a role with a top firm.
Student
MBA graduates entering consulting can expect total first-year compensation of $200,000 - $270,000+, which includes base salary and performance bonuses. Here’s a breakdown of base salaries at top firms:
MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) – Top Strategy Consulting Firms
- McKinsey & Co.: $192,000 + bonuses (~$80,000)
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG): $195,000 + bonuses (~$80,000)
- Bain & Co.: $192,000 + bonuses (~$80,000)
Big 4 Consulting & Tier 2 Strategy Firms
- Deloitte Strategy & Operations: $165,000 + bonuses (~$40,000)
- PwC Strategy&: $165,000 + bonuses (~$40,000)
- EY-Parthenon: $170,000 + bonuses (~$45,000)
- KPMG Strategy: $160,000 + bonuses (~$40,000)
- Oliver Wyman: $175,000 + bonuses (~$50,000)
- Roland Berger: $160,000 + bonuses (~$40,000)
Salary Growth Post-MBA
Senior Consultant (2-3 years post-MBA): $250,000 - $300,000+
Manager/Project Leader: $300,000 - $500,000+
Partner/Director (10+ years post-MBA): $1M+
Want to maximize your MBA’s ROI and land a top consulting job? Get a free strategy session with expert guidance!
Content Writer
So if you're looking at consulting after an MBA, the salary can be pretty good! On average, MBA grads in consulting can earn anywhere between $120,000 to $160,000 a year in the U.S. at top firms like McKinsey,Deloitte,PwC,BCG, or Bain. These firms usually offer base salaries around $150,000 to $170,000, and then there are bonuses and profit-sharing that can bring the total closer to $200,000 or more.
If you’re looking at consulting in Europe or other regions, it’s a bit lower but still great. In places like London, you're looking at around £80,000 to £100,000 base salary, with bonuses that can push it higher.
The salary can depend on a few things like the firm, location, and your experience level. But overall, consulting after an MBA can be very rewarding financially!