Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

IT Consultant I Salary in the United States

How much does an IT Consultant I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Consultant I in the United States is $66,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, an IT Consultant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,965
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,400 to $85,511
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,081
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence IT Consultant I Salaries

An IT Consultant I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IT Consultant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IT Consultant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • IT Consultant I (0-2 years): $66,340
  • IT Consultant II (2-4 years): $77,258
  • IT Consultant III (4-7 years): $92,244
  • IT Consultant IV (7+ years): $109,728
  • IT Consultant V (7-10 years): $139,947
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
IT Consultant I0-2 years$66,340
IT Consultant II2-4 years$77,258
IT Consultant III4-7 years$92,244
IT Consultant IV7+ years$109,728
IT Consultant V7-10 years$139,947
View as Graph

How Do IT Consultant Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IT Consultant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $73,452.
  • California: $73,173.
  • Massachusetts: $72,198.

Top Paying Cities for IT Consultant I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $83,675
  • San Francisco: $82,758
  • Oakland: $81,014

IT Consultant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

IT Consultant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,264. While startup companies pay approximate $62,825.

IT Consultant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $62,825
Growth Stage 51~500 $66,445
Established 501~5000 $71,715
Enterprise 5000+ $74,264

IT Consultant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Consultant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, IT Consultant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Consultant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IT Consultant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$79,608$38.020%
Software & Networking$79,608$38.020%
Energy & Utilities$76,291$37.015%
Chemicals$72,974$35.010%
Healthcare$72,974$35.010%

IT Consultant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT Consultant I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$59,400
Average $66,340/year
$85,511
$4,950
Average $5,528/month
$7,126
$1,142
Average $1,276/week
$1,644
$29
Average $32/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,511 $7,126 $1,644 $41
Average $66,340 $5,528 $1,276 $32
25th Percentile $59,400 $4,950 $1,142 $29

IT Consultant I Salary Growth & Career Path

IT Consultant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an IT Consultant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
IT Solution Delivery Consultant II $67,742 2%
IT Consultant II $77,258 16%
IT Strategy Consultant II $92,117 39%

Most common benefits for IT Consultant I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for IT Consultant I

Here are companies hiring for IT Consultant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next IT Consultant I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Consultant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about IT Consultant I

1. Where can an IT Consultant I earn the most?

An IT Consultant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an IT Consultant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an IT Consultant I is $83,675.

2. What is the highest pay for IT Consultant I?

The highest pay for IT Consultant I is $102,965.

3. What is the lowest pay for IT Consultant I?

The lowest pay for IT Consultant I is $53,081.

4. What are the responsibilities of IT Consultant I?

Provides expert advice and services to help clients leverage technology effectively to achieve business goals. Assesses and analyzes the client's IT systems, infrastructure, and/or processes to identify inefficiencies, risks, or areas for improvement. Provides strategic guidance on selecting, implementing, and integrating technologies such as software, hardware, networks, and cybersecurity solutions. Maintains strong client relationships through ongoing support and process improvement. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for IT Consultant I?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Consultant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst