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Job outlook for consultants/project leader in the United States
Consultant/project leader job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected consultant/project leader job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for consultants/project leader are projected over the next decade.
Consultant/project leader salaries have increased 8% for consultants/project leader in the last 5 years.
There are over 98,977 consultants/project leader currently employed in the United States.
There are 94,543 active consultant/project leader job openings in the US.
The average consultant/project leader salary is $94,872.
Are consultant/project leader jobs in demand?
Consultant/project leader job and salary trends over time
Consultant/project leader jobs over time
Consultant/project leader job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98,977 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 141,504 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 107,549 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 94,245 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 88,886 | 0.03% |
Average consultant/project leader salary over time
Consultant/project leader salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,872 | $45.61 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $91,746 | $44.11 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $89,669 | $43.11 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $89,194 | $42.88 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $88,133 | $42.37 | +1.7% |
Consultant/project leader jobs by state
Most common states for consultants/project leader
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 689 | 99% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 357 | 57% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 603 | 45% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 482 | 45% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 358 | 41% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 506 | 38% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 288 | 38% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 392 | 37% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 646 | 34% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 4,104 | 32% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,988 | 29% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 565 | 27% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 154 | 27% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,468 | 26% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,675 | 25% |
| 16 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,595 | 24% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,013 | 24% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,376 | 23% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,340 | 23% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,993 | 22% |
Consultant/Project Leader job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of consultant/project leader experts
Kent State University
Widener University
Siena College
University of Maine
Davidson College
The University of the South
Framingham State University
Ashford University
University of Connecticut
Lewis-Clark State College
Duke University
King University
Kansas State University
Drake University
Bethel University
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business AnalyticsWidener University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ryan LaRochelle Ph.D.: Don't be afraid to negotiate. The labor market is incredibly tight at the moment, so employees have more leverage than they've had in decades. Your starting salary and benefits package will be the baseline for any negotiation moving forward, so use the leverage you have now to get the best package you can get. Also, think carefully about how different compensation and benefit packages interact with other factors in the state or region where you're looking to work.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Oliver Keys Jr: The power of mentorships and networking early in your career will be beneficial in the long run. Also, understanding that professional skills can be half the battle. Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and communicating effectively can be challenging for some students. Internships and externships are great for students to get technical and professional experience.
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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!
Katie Horowitz
Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality StudiesDavidson College
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Katie Horowitz: With the rise of artificial intelligence, soft skills like interpersonal communication, conflict management, and critical thinking will become more important than ever before. These are assets that can’t be outsourced to AI, and they are fundamental to the work that Gender & Sexuality Studies majors do in college.
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katie Horowitz: Some research shows that women and members of marginalized racial groups are less likely to negotiate their salaries than their white male counterparts. When you get a job offer, don’t forgo the opportunity to advocate for a higher salary.
What will help Consultants/Project Leader increase their earning potential?
Katie Horowitz: Don’t limit yourself. I’ve seen Gender & Sexuality Studies students land jobs in business consulting, nonprofit, medicine, law, and more. The beauty of this interdisciplinary field is that it intersects with virtually every sphere of human existence. You can bring your GSS skills to bear on any line of work that interests you.
What will help Consultants/Project Leader increase their earning potential?
Joseph Taylor: The role of a Business Analyst can vary greatly from company to company, and even from department to department, so it is very important to look at the details of a particular position that you are applying for. One common factor from all Business Analyst is that they are generally expected to make sense of data, and to be effective communicators that can apply insights to real-world problems.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Erastus Ndinguri: A couple of ways to maximize your salary potential are;
Through first salary negotiation - By understanding the job market of your field, knowing what you can offer and preparing well for your salary negotiation you can positively maximize your first salary potential. This can affect your future earnings especially if you rise up the corporate ladder in the same organization.
Not settling, but continuing to learn- Learn a new skill that will help in building your resume. Network with colleagues in your organization and learn from them. Continuous learning and self-improvement create opportunities for higher earnings.
Embrace mentorships- Having a good seasoned colleague/mentor can open opportunities for higher earning. A mentor can help you prepare for a salary negotiation and also steer you to the right projects that lead to career advancements hence a higher salary.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Things don’t just happen. You must develop a career plan to maximize your salary potential when starting your career. Find the right employer for yourself. For example, if you are mobile and willing to travel, target employers with international projects. After working for a few years, you can request a transfer to an overseas assignment, and this will instantaneously almost double your salary. If you are not mobile and your circumstances do not allow your travel, seek employment with major corporations and seek positions that are done at the home office (e.g., estimating, procurement, and contracting).
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Start on the right foot!! Start your career with the attitude that you need to give your job serious attention to build your technical skills, your people skills, and to establish a good name for yourself in the industry. Make sure you become known as a smart, hardworking person with high morals. Your technical skills will contribute half of your success. The other half you will get from learning how to sell your services. Focus on what the employers’ interests are. Explain how you can contribute to what is important to them. If you do not have what is important to them, go develop such skills.
What will help Consultants/Project Leader increase their earning potential?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Technology has always been a game changer and those who are good at it position themselves in high demands. Keeping up with the new technologies related to whatever your specialty is will help you tremendously. AI looks like the future’s big thing, and I believe it is here to stay. Developing skills in this field will be highly recommended.
What will help Consultants/Project Leader increase their earning potential?
Anil Agarwal: Some skills will always be in Demand - such as Interpersonal communications , Project Management , Learning different languages and having great listening skills. What new skills will be in demand : Social media, content and Digital marketing. Data Analytics and or Business Analytics. Cross cultural management , Leadership Skills. Financial Management . Getting an MBA, MFS ( Masters of Finance ) , MSM ( Masters in Analytical Marketing ) or a Masters in Economics or an MHA ( Masters in Health Sciences. The fields of Bio Technology are also exploding if that is your bent of mind.
Travis Grosser Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management (@ UConn School of Business)University of Connecticut
Human Resources Management And Services
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Travis Grosser Ph.D.: The following are critical skills that will grow in importance in the coming years:
1. Innovative and Critical Thinking: The ability to think creatively and critically to solve complex problems will be highly valued, especially in a rapidly changing business landscape.
2. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as empathize with others, will be crucial for successfully navigating a workplace where change, diversity, and collaboration will continue to increase.
3. Leadership and Change Management: Skills in leading teams, managing change, and inspiring innovation will be essential as businesses navigate through transitions and transformations.
4. Digital Literacy and Technological Proficiency: As technology continues to evolve rapidly, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will be crucial. Understanding emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain/Web3, and data analytics will be increasingly valuable.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Consultants/Project Leader?
Jenny Scott: Consulting requires knowing the job itself, so industry experience is paramount.
Both "big picture/systems" thinking, as well as the ability to identify and understand details (analytical skills), is key skill in business consulting.
Don't forget the value of written communication skills. With fewer in-person meetings, being able to professionally, succinctly, and effectively write is one of the most coveted and essential skills.
Presentation skills are still - if not more - important today. Being familiar with a variety of presentation tools and platforms can be helpful; however, finding one or a few where you can be highly proficient will help achieve both efficiencies of communications, message delivery, and desired outcome.
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
What skills stand out on Consultant/Project Leader resumes?
Michael Munger: Political science is an ancient career synergy, one that explores the connections between ethical considerations and engineering policy that works. Someone who majors in Political Science is able to make arguments about the questions that have plagued philosophers for thousands of years while using the latest data techniques to scrape online sources of information on social media. So political science instructors have to combine ethics, knowledge of esoteric procedures and laws, and statistics!
What soft skills should all Consultants/Project Leader possess?
Michael Munger: Working in groups. And that's hard to teach. The best teacher is experience. Often, students learn the most when their group fails or the other members don't pull their weight. The ability to work in unstructured environments and still achieve group success is a big part of many jobs. And Political Science teaches that.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Consultants/Project Leader?
Michael Munger: Political Science students should take at least one Computer Science class, be able to run a spreadsheet with skill, and be able to write crisp prose that gets to the point.
What skills will help Consultants/Project Leader earn the most?
Michael Munger: The ability to lead a group by example and to get other people to feel that they are part of something larger than themselves. At its best, Political Science is like an entire little liberal arts curriculum. It's the perfect preparation for leadership, either in government or the private sector!
Jason Caudill Ph.D.
Professor of BusinessKing University
Management Information Systems
What hard/technical skills are most important for Consultants/Project Leader?
Jason Caudill Ph.D.: The number one technical skill for today's professionals is the ability to learn new systems. Regardless of expertise in a particular platform, there are going to be updates and changes, and different companies will likely be on different major platforms to perform the same functions. A strong foundation of technical skills in communications software, spreadsheets, and cloud applications will give someone the foundation they need to function in most modern workplaces, but the real skill is being able to translate that understanding of the architecture to multiple platforms so they can manage change.
What skills will help Consultants/Project Leader earn the most?
Jason Caudill Ph.D.: I think the two most profitable skills will be communication and adaptability. Almost nothing happens in a vacuum, so to be successful, today's professionals have to be able to effectively collaborate with others in various departments and in other organizations. That can only happen with effective communication skills. Coupled with that is the fact that dynamic markets, shorter product lifespans, and longer careers are demanding that people change their skill sets and adapt to different markets more than they ever have before. The professional who can continuously adapt to the demands of the market, who is willing to add new skills over time as a lifelong learner, will be the most prepared to offer continued value to a company, which will result in higher earnings.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Consultants/Project Leader?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: - The enduring impact is the opportunity to experience first hand coming out of a major hospitality economic downturn. Many hotels and hospitality operations are rebounding from near or complete closure. Such an amazing time to get in on the fast track to the top of an organization. There will be numerous opportunities that did not exist in March of 2020.
- Graduates are positioned to thrive more than the graduates in 2020 in that the number of open positions is huge. They have the opportunity to start with a career with great companies and great leaders and grow as fast as they so desire.
- The only downside may be moving up too fast and now being completely grounded in the basics due to being hired and put in positions of authority before they may be fully prepared.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Consultants/Project Leader?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: The successful leaders are those who:
- Have a degree in hospitality management and understand what just occurred.
-There are few certifications necessary for work in the hospitality. Food safety is required for some positions, but this has likely been obtained while in school. Additional certifications may be obtained in the first 5 years of employment.
What will help Consultants/Project Leader increase their earning potential?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: - Willingness to take on increased responsibility
- Willingness to move locations
- Willingness to work in different departments to learn and grow with the organization
What general advice would you give to a Consultant/Project Leader?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: I recommend students work on developing a portfolio of technology knowledge, skills, and tools. Early project and internship experiences can also be very helpful in finding the first career opportunity after graduation.
What Consultant/Project Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Expertise in the area of AI is of great interest right now as well as other technical areas (e.g., analytics, cybersecurity, technology consulting, the metaverse, and more). Of course, I always recommend students focus on developing their adaptability and ability to learn new technical subjects, critical thinking and analytical skills, collaboration skills and the ability to work in a team, project management and detail-oriented skills, and written and oral communication abilities.
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.
Associate Provost - Innovation and Partnerships, Program Director/Professor, Ed.D. Leadership in Higher EducationBethel University
Education Leadership
What skills will help Consultants/Project Leader earn the most?
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.: For educational leaders, I'm not convinced discrete skills equate to salary. Working hard and working well with others, with a disposition of humility and curiosity, is really powerful. Perhaps the combination of soft and hard skills gained through diverse experiences, positions, and institutional contexts results in the highest earning potential.