Management Consulting Report: Pay Is Rising, But New Skills Are Needed

Core Insights - The consulting industry is facing a complex landscape despite expectations of growth due to AI and analytics, as highlighted in the 2025 Management Consulting Industry Report [2] Hiring Trends - Industry hiring increased by 22% over the past year, with growth concentrated in specific regions such as Atlanta, Boston, and Denver [4] - Professionals with AI expertise can earn 10% more than their counterparts, but seasoned professionals making lateral moves often receive lower compensation than entry-level MBA hires [4] Compensation and Bonuses - Consulting firms are increasing performance bonuses, but these are targeted at the highest performance levels, making them harder to achieve [5] - New hires are being offered extra sign-on bonuses despite base salary freezes at many top firms [5] Skills Demand - Consulting firms are seeking hires for roles such as technology lead, corporate strategist, information security manager, project manager, and transformation specialist [7] - In-demand technical skills include cloud architecture, advanced analytics, and generative AI consulting frameworks, while critical soft skills include executive presence and client relationship management [7][8] Survey Methodology - The report was produced by Management Consulted, which surveyed over 100 professionals across more than 10 firms to gather insights on pay and industry trends [6]