The consulting industry has very low transparency when discussing remuneration policy. Basic salaries are rarely stated in job advertisements, making it difficult to get details of the packages during recruitment events. So if you have an interest in making critical business decisions to help organizations grow faster, then being a consultant might be a career of your choice. 

Consultants help companies make decisions to achieve their goals and improve business performance, thereby maximizing profits. In this content, we will discuss what a consultant does and how much they earn, so you can decide whether consultancy is the right career option for you. 

Details: Salary of  consultant in India!

As of 2026, the salary of consultant in India ranges from 8,00,000 to 16,00,000 per year, with an average of 12,00,000. However, the compensation can vary, ranging from 18,00,000 to 80 Lakhs in Premier companies for management consultants. 

Key breakdown of the salary of consultant in India!

What is the average basic pay?

• The average base pay for a consultant in India is Rs 12 Lakh per year. 
• If you are at the junior or entry level with 0 to 3 years of experience, you can earn around Rupees 10.8 LPA to Rupees 12 LPA. 
• Mid-level roles with 3 to 6 years of experience: Expect Rupees 13.1LPA to Rupees 14.5LPA. 
• Senior consultants with great experience of more than 5 years: Able to make Rupees 13LPA to 26LPA. 
• And Principal consultants can earn between 8 LPA and 30 LPA. 

Salary of consultant in India: Increase your earning potential with these tips and tricks!

• Relocate to a higher-paying city.

The salary of a consultant depends on the location of the city in which you provide service. This is directly proportional to the standard of living in the same city. For example, the national average salary for a consultant in Bengaluru is 52k, and in Pune it is 43k per month. So, if you are working in a lower-paying or rural location, your living expenses will be low, which will directly affect your salary. 

• Gain more experience 

Compensation increases significantly as you gain experience. Your earning potential increases directly with your performance and promotion, which are greater only when you have the required experience. 

• Choose a Type of consulting firm 

If you can work at prestigious or top-tier firms like BCG or McKinsey, you will be able to earn more than in regional firms. 

• Specialization 

Depending on your specialisation, early potential varies. If you’re working as a strategy consultant, you will be able to get more than in operations or IT consulting services. 

• Compensation structure

Consider the firm’s compensation structure. Generally, larger firms offer higher variable salaries and larger bonuses at senior levels than smaller firms, which offer lower base salaries. 

End note:

Apart from the salaries discussed above, consulting firms are increasingly adopting non-financial incentives to support consultants’ well-being. Flexible mobility budgets, part-time work, holidays, and much more are provided to them. They can also customize their careers and choose working hours that suit their lifestyle. These are some reasons you may also consider becoming a consultant in the future.