Defense Consultant Salary in the United States

How much does a Defense Consultant make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Defense Consultant in the United States is $115,307 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,095
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $95,035 to $137,704
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $76,579
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View as table View as graph 25% $95,035 10% $76,579 90% $158,095 75% $137,704 $115,307 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Defense Consultant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $137,704 $11,475 $2,648 $66
Average $115,307 $9,609 $2,217 $55
25th Percentile $95,035 $7,920 $1,828 $46
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Key Factors That Influence Defense Consultant Salaries

A Defense Consultant'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 Defense Consultant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Defense Consultant'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $101,087
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,679
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $105,864
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $114,374
  • Expert (over 8 years): $121,529
Levels Salary
Entry Level Defense Consultant$101,087
Intermediate Level Defense Consultant$102,679
Senior Level Defense Consultant$105,864
Specialist Level Defense Consultant$114,374
Expert Level Defense Consultant$121,529
$101,087 0 yr
$102,679 < 2 yrs
$105,864 2-4 yrs
$114,374 5-8 yrs
$121,529 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Defense Consultants

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: $145,437
  • San Francisco: $143,844
  • Oakland: $140,813

Defense Consultant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Defense Consultant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Defense Consultant positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Defense Consultant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Defense Consultant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$126,838$61.010%

Defense Consultant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Defense Consultant'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

Most common benefits for Defense Consultant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Defense Consultant

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

Find Your Next Defense Consultant Job

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

United States
  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    16 Days Ago

  • XPO

    Columbus, OH

    CDL

    XPO | Columbus, OH

    XPO is Hiring Driver Teams. XPO Teams. As an XPO Team, you’ll run dedicated routes between XPO facilities in. new sleeper. trucks equipped with microwaves ... more

    16 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    17 Days Ago

  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

    Summit Recruiting Group | Columbus, OH

    NP/PA Dermatology job opening in Columbus, OHPosition Details. Full-time, permanent opening. Experience required. Well-Established Practice. Seeking a NP/P... more

    18 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    19 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    19 Days Ago

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FAQ about Defense Consultant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Defense Consultant?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Defense Consultant roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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.)

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