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Business consultant/project manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected business consultant/project manager job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for business consultant/project managers are projected over the next decade.
Business consultant/project manager salaries have increased 8% for business consultant/project managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 49,820 business consultant/project managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 208,750 active business consultant/project manager job openings in the US.
The average business consultant/project manager salary is $103,967.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 49,820 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 60,348 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 59,376 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 40,183 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 37,350 | 0.01% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $103,967 | $49.98 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $101,121 | $48.62 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $99,164 | $47.68 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $97,788 | $47.01 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $96,460 | $46.37 | +0.0% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 747 | 108% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 417 | 48% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,609 | 47% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 794 | 41% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 990 | 34% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 460 | 34% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 357 | 34% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 247 | 33% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,016 | 32% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 343 | 32% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,149 | 31% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,905 | 31% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,771 | 31% |
| 14 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,483 | 30% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 630 | 30% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 224 | 30% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,374 | 28% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,141 | 28% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 807 | 27% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 259 | 27% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle | 1 | 0% | $113,784 |
Saint John Fisher College
Kent State University
Widener University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Sullivan University
SUNY College at Geneseo
University of Montevallo
Siena College
Western Kentucky University
West Virginia University
University of Maryland - College Park
Spelman College
Cleveland State University
Christopher Newport University
University of Indianapolis
Carleton College
Mount Saint Mary's University
Washington and Lee University
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: Having grit is more important than you may realize because facing challenges and barriers is part of the process. There will be bumps and hurdles. But what important is that you do not give up. It's okay not to have all of the answers on the first day. Be curious, ask questions, and delve deeply into learning about your profession. It can take up to 6,000 hours to completely master a field. So, allow yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. Enjoy the journey, not the destination. That's where the true learning occurs.
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
Widener University
Business/Commerce
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: There are many reasons that people like about being a business analyst, including reasons listed as follows: 1. Analytical Skills and Data Exploration: BAs often analyze data to understand trends and identify areas for improvement. Seeing a successful implementation and its positive impact can be very rewarding. 2. Problem-solving. BAs get to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that can improve how a business operates. 3. Continuous learning. Business analysts may work on a range of projects and the field of business analysis may be constantly evolving, which required BAs to actively cultivate skills in new businesses. For example, the coming of the AI era requires BAs to master AI fundamentals and data fluency. 4. While some thrive on the problem-solving and communication aspects of a BA role, others may find them less appealing. Carefully consider your personality and preferences to see if this aligns with your career goals.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Finance And Financial Management Services
Thomas Mathews CFA: GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR AT A SUITABLE POSITION, LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, FIND A MENTOR/COACH WHO IS WELL-RESPECTED IN THE ORGANIZATION, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WORK HARD, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO RAISE YOUR HAND TO LEAD OR SUPPORT CRITICAL INITIATIVES.
Thomas Smith PhD: Soft skills (people skills) and critical thinking are both skills that will serve you well throughout your career, and unfortunately, they are areas that receive little focus in most education today. Remember the 'Golden Rule' and learn from your mistakes.
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
Jasmine Tang: You need to set a goal first then go for it. Also, your first job is not your permanent job. Try to have a break from the school or work before your new job, new school term after the graduation. Be healthy & happy!
Jasmine Tang: Be confident of their major/minor or the subject they like and do best of the field they like for themselves not for money or please their parents or fulfill the dream of others.
Jasmine Tang: I always advise the students to apply any job that accept their degree or go for the one they really like.
University of Montevallo
Business Administration, Management And Operations
Staci Kolb CPA: I am a big proponent of doing everything you can to strengthen soft skills. Technical knowledge might get you the job, but soft skills are what will get you promoted. Learn to communicate well, both orally and written. Obviously, skills in emerging technology will also be important, but being able to sell oneself and one’s ideas is critical.
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
Ron Ramsing Ph.D.: Relationships matter – continue to build your network by being a contributing member of a team while treating others well. Seek opportunities to actively learn and expand your knowledge and understanding of the industry. Mentors are important for providing guidance, feedback, and support. While it may take time, explore ways to connect with a mentor may it be formally or informally. Continue to hone your interpersonal skills through active listening, being conscientious, flexible, and willing to support and assist others. Be authentic!
Robert Bentz: The obvious one is artificial intelligence. Many people are concerned that they may be replaced by AI, but nothing can be further from the truth. Those who learn to work with AI are going to be the ones that excel. There's a skill to knowing what you can and can't get from this remarkable new technology.
Dr. Rellie Derfler-Rozin: Though those skills have always been crucial for managers’ success, I think people’s skills will become even more important. Some more content-related areas/skills might be easier to navigate using technology, AI etc, but there will always be a need to manage people, and given the advanced technology there will be even more of a need to be sensitive to how people react to new technology, to make sure people use the technology in both effective and ethical manner. A lot of this will come from role modeling and showing ethical strong leadership.
Rebecca Choudhury Ph.D.: That would be awesome! We were hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?
Cleveland State University
Finance And Financial Management Services
Roger Klee: Here is a file that contains my answers to those questions. Let me know if you have any questions.
Prof. Phillip Bazzani: Conducting business operations today requires a data-driven approach to maximize shareholder value. Becoming a business analyst is crucial for informed decision-making and organizational success. Businesses face increasing complexity and competition, and strong analytical skills to stay ahead are crucial. Business analysts connect data with actionable strategies, helping companies optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and innovate products and services. By interpreting complex data and translating it into strategic insights, business analysts help organizations identify growth opportunities, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency. With the business environment being highly data-driven, the demand for skilled business analysts is rising, making this career essential for the growth and competitiveness of modern enterprises. The Luter School prepares students rigorously for this role.
Carissa Newton: There are three key skills in my mind that are critical in helping new graduates stay relevant in their chosen field: 1. Strong Communication Skills: Really this is relevant in so many areas, but certainly even more so when breaking into a new industry in your field. 2. Curiosity and Inquisitiveness: Being naturally inquisitive and curious will build a framework where early graduates will seek out learning and ways to stay abreast of emerging trends. 3. Understanding of Digital Channels: Digital channels continue to be the most effective and trackable method for businesses to pursue. The more graduates can know about these channels, the better they can tailor the needs of the business to the capabilities of each channel. An example of this would be the growing trend of finding uses for Artificial Intelligence technology to help businesses do more.
Professor Michael Hemesath President Emeritus: COMMIT: Even if you do not get that perfect first job, commit fully to the job you take. Expect that you will be in the job for at least a year and maybe two before you seek a second job or go to grad school. Work hard, learn everything you can, be a model employee committed to the organization. If you appear to be constantly looking for other opportunities or if you act like you are doing the organization a favor by being there, these attitudes will harm your ability to move to a future job as your references will note these traits. The professional world can be small and reviews of your performance can be shared in ways you might never imagine. FLEXIBILITY: Lots has been written about different generational attitudes toward work. You may well find that your boss or colleagues have different attitudes or values than you do. In an entry-level job in a buyer's market, you will not singlehandedly change the work culture of your organization. Be a thoughtful observer and reflect on the attitudes and values of those around you. Note that you should compromise on those things that are important to you, but you should respectfully try to understand what others value too, and you may well come to appreciate the worldview of your older colleagues and managers. This attitude will also help you understand and commit to your own professional and career values. LEARN: This advice may seem obvious to a college grad, but remember that education occurs in lots of ways and from lots of people. You will likely be asked to do things that you would prefer not to, but view each task as an opportunity to learn something about your organization and yourself. Also remember that every person in your organization has something to teach you. Ask questions about colleagues' career paths, hopes, and goals. Ask them what they wish they had known at the start of their careers. Not everything you hear will be valuable to you, but thoughtful and empathetic listening will result in a surprising amount of wisdom and may well find you a mentor or two.
Mount Saint Mary's University
International Business
Dr. Michelle Holloway: Figure out what you are good at, then consider what you would enjoy doing professionally. Your strengths will tell you what job function to do (e.g., sales, accounting, procurement). Your interests will tell you what industry to work in (e.g., tech, entertainment, retail).
Michelle Cowan Ph.D.: I’m not sure about this question since I haven’t really discussed this with any business analysts. I’ll pass this question on and see if I get a response. Otherwise, ask me about content strategy, UX, writing, and communication jobs, and I can speak more freely, since that’s what I did for 15 years before moving into academia.
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!