As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Consultant I in the United States is $95,554 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Consultant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Consultan... Level Consultant I | $94,845 |
| IT Strate... Level Consultant I | $104,415 |
| IT Strate... Level Consultant I | $129,837 |
| IT Strate... Level Consultant I | $162,461 |
| IT Strate... Level Consultant I | $145,900 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Consultant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.9% |
| Client Education | 1.79% |
| Business Requirements | 1.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Client Education
|
$108,932 |
14%
|
|
Customer Success
|
$106,065 |
11%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$102,243 |
7%
|
|
Operational Risk
|
$102,243 |
7%
|
|
Fiserv
|
$100,332 |
5%
|
|
Client Relationship
|
$99,377 |
4%
|
For Consultant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Consultant positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Consultant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $105,110 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $105,110 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $105,110 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $105,110 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $105,110 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Consultant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $90,730 in 2023 to around $90,141 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Consultant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $90,730 |
| 2024 | $91,611 |
| 2025 | $90,141 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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