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Job outlook for consulting specialists in the United States
Are consulting specialist jobs in demand?
Consulting specialist job and salary trends over time
Consulting specialist jobs over time
Consulting specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,285 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,073 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,118 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,382 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,193 | 0.00% |
Average consulting specialist salary over time
Consulting specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,125 | $41.41 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $82,846 | $39.83 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $80,906 | $38.90 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $80,309 | $38.61 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $79,197 | $38.08 | +1.3% |
Consulting specialist jobs by state
Most common states for consulting specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 365 | 53% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 135 | 22% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 222 | 21% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 239 | 18% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 137 | 18% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,151 | 17% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 497 | 16% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 173 | 16% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 90 | 16% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,233 | 15% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 281 | 15% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 143 | 15% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 566 | 14% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 107 | 14% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,131 | 13% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 759 | 13% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 740 | 13% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 225 | 13% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 109 | 13% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,507 | 12% |
Most common cities for consulting specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Lauderdale | 2 | 1% | $70,092 |
| 2 | Arlington Heights | 1 | 1% | $82,733 |
| 3 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $70,166 |
| 4 | Costa Mesa | 1 | 1% | $87,657 |
| 5 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $88,310 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $92,296 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $94,695 |
| 8 | Buffalo | 1 | 0% | $87,694 |
| 9 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $82,698 |
| 10 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $83,720 |
| 11 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $70,423 |
| 12 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $69,936 |
| 13 | New York | 1 | 0% | $91,110 |
| 14 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $70,986 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $94,905 |
| 16 | Saint Louis | 1 | 0% | $78,884 |
| 17 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $86,701 |
| 18 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $95,075 |
| 19 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $94,159 |
Consulting Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of consulting specialist experts
Davidson College
Duke University
University of Richmond
University of Central Arkansas
Alverno College
Marymount Manhattan College
International Association of Assessing Officers
Lorain County Community College
Duquesne University
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
New Mexico State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Indiana University Southeast
Concordia University Irvine
The City College of New York
Aquinas College
Concordia University Irvine
Whatcom Community College
David J. Smith Consulting
Katie Horowitz
Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality StudiesDavidson College
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Consulting Specialist?
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.
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
What skills stand out on Consulting Specialist 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 skills will help Consulting Specialists earn the most?
Keith Webb: While it depends on the industry, I believe students who develop and enhance their skill set in data analytics will ultimately reap significant incomes and longevity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Consulting Specialists?
Keith Webb: Truly depends on the role; a student needs to know how to model (Discounted Cash Flow, Weighted Average Cost models) for investment banking. For consulting, understanding the case interviewing process is a must; Excel is huge, and many employers are looking for students who know Python, SQL R, etc.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Consulting Specialist resumes?
Anthony McMullen: This will depend on the specific field. Business is an incredibly broad area. Anyone with a business type of degree will at least obtain basic knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. These skills should be highlighted. But when thinking about a resume, workers should think about (and participate in) experiences that allow them to use these skills. And once they have these experiences, they should be able to articulate how they used these skills on a resume. Don't just say, "I did ______." Say, "I used _________ in order to accomplish __________."
What soft skills should all Consulting Specialists possess?
Anthony McMullen: Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the phrase "soft skills" v. "hard skills," as some might take such phrases to imply that soft skills are not as important or are easier to obtain. That being said, to answer the question, communication and critical-thinking skills are essential to a successful career. Communication skills (both oral and written) are necessary to convey messages. It does not matter how much technical expertise someone has if that person is unable to convey that expertise to others. Critical-thinking skills are important because skilled workers need to know how to think through problems. The answer will not always be readily apparent. And even when it is, workers need to ensure that they can analyze it to ensure that it is trustworthy. Maybe the information found is outdated, doesn't apply to the situation, or is just flat out wrong, and a skilled worker needs to be able to make that determination.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, adaptability is also necessary to be successful. So many jobs have changed (and will continue to change). Many people left their respective industries during the pandemic because they couldn't (or did not want to) adapt to change. Those who can, or at least try, will find more opportunities in the workplace.
What skills will help Consulting Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on Consulting Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all Consulting Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What skills will help Consulting Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Consulting Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Software related to operations management, big data analysis for planning and forecasting, software for virtual collaboration -- all of these will be in high demand. There will be rapid development of more sophisticated tools - and all professionals will need to keep pace with the latest in tech.
Larry Clark
Director of Strategic InitiativesInternational Association of Assessing Officers
Professional Consulting Services of IAAO, LLC
What general advice would you give to a Consulting Specialist?
Larry Clark: Our members almost all work for local government. Historically, that segment has offered a great deal of stability but not much advancement. With the pandemic forcing local governments to redirect resources in that direction, the prospects for new graduates are not very bright.
Tammy Bosley Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator for Communication StudiesLorain County Community College
Arts & Humanities Division
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Consulting Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Tammy Bosley Ph.D.: I think that many employees will continue to work from home post-pandemic. During COVID-19, people worked effectively at home, and in many instances, were more productive than when they were physically at the office. Employers will likely consider if they should pay for office space when their employees can do their jobs at home. If the traditional office space does become obsolete, employees will have to reimagine their home offices to promote a professional environment for digital platforms. They'll also have to work harder at making connections with others. High tech requires high touch. In other words, when we rely on computer-mediated communication, we need to interact more to establish relationships. Improving and maintaining digital communication skills will be essential as employees navigate their post-pandemic careers.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Consulting Specialists in the next 5 years?
Tammy Bosley Ph.D.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that communication jobs would increase at the same rate as other professions. Communication is a general degree. Students who major in the discipline usually choose a specialty such as public relations, health communication, international communication, etc. to navigate employment opportunities successfully. Given the challenges everyone is facing in today's culture, communication graduates will be essential to meet the demands of a post COVID society.
How do you envision technology impacting Consulting Specialists in the next 5 years?
Richard Longo: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will, by far, have the most significant impact. As this grows and develops, businesses will need to have the requisite skills and mindset to pivot away from traditional working ways. Skills will be needed to train and educate the work to be better equipped to move from human-focused work culture to a more robotic one.
Dr. Anthony Stanowski
President & CEOCommission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
What type of skills will young Consulting Specialists need?
Dr. Anthony Stanowski: To be successful, graduates of healthcare management programs need to bring to market the following: skills and character.
In terms of skills, they need to have strong technical and analytical skills, especially at the start of their career. These skills will morph over a job to encompass an interpretation of the data to lead others to action. And that is where communication skills and project management capabilities come in.
Indeed, young graduates need to understand the healthcare system, how it has changed, and why it has changed. This knowledge needs to be deeper than the sound bites heard on the news or from pundits. They need a foundational understanding of the key subjects taught in class.
Most importantly, they need to develop character. Note that I say develope, because some believe character is innate. They can be learned, and they must be exercised. Character includes the ability to approach work in new and breakthrough ways, innovate, and transform. They have to lead by having a strong sense of empathy by understanding that you show only when you help others succeed. They have to do whatever it takes to make things better, which means more than a 9 to 5 job. If you want a 9 to 5 job, there are better places to go than healthcare management.
Those are among the skills and characterize young graduates need. For more, I would suggest taking a look at the competencies for leadership as developed by organizations such as the National Center for Healthcare Leadership https://www.nchl.org/page?page=272, the American College of Healthcare Executives https://www.ache.org/about-ache/resources-and-links/healthcare-leadership-competencies, the International Hospital Federation https://www.ihf-fih.org/resources/pdf/Leadership_Competencies_for_Healthcare_Services_Managers.pdf, Saint Louis University https://www.slu.edu/public-health-social-justice/pdfs/slu_mha_competencymodel_reviewedfall2016.pdf the National Association for Healthcare Quality https://nahq.org/education/nahq-healthcare-quality-competency-framework/, and many others. When evaluating a program to attend, ask about the competency model, they use to develop their curriculum. Does that competency model match what you want to learn? If the program does not know what a competency model is, politely thank them and go elsewhere.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Consulting Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Anthony Stanowski: Yes, the right places to look at are the places where you think you can make a difference. Where is your passion? Is it in inner-city areas, struggling to meet the needs of the poor and disenfranchised? Is it in rural areas where the challenges are how to knit together limited resources to provide to communities that are spread out to meet critical healthcare needs? Is it in sizeable academic health systems where the challenge lies in forming internal and external constituencies' coalitions to succeed?
Is it in integrated delivery systems that are national in scope, working to transform healthcare by knitting together insurance, pharmaceuticals, and patient care but are struggling against regulatory roadblocks and the established ways of doing things? Is your passion in the growing informatics sector, where you can help organizations use data more accurately? Is it in telemedicine? Health policy? Physician practice management? Know yourself and what you believe in. Work to make a difference. Healthcare is the noblest of fields, and I hope that people choosing to enter healthcare stay faithful to its calling.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Consulting Specialists?
Dr. Anthony Stanowski: Many projections show that the impact of COVID-19 will continue into 2022, even with a vaccine and therapeutics. The "new normal" will not return to 2019 but will incorporate technology and management methods developed to adjust to unforeseen challenges. The pandemic has made us all aware of the importance of healthcare delivery and the need to have dedicated people working to ensure our community's health. Healthcare executives will need to have critical competencies to succeed, including leadership, innovation, and a core understanding of healthcare delivery methods. Those entering the profession must rise to the challenge and accept that something will work, and others will not. They will need to be comfortable at a higher level of uncertainty than ever.
Argie Hernandez
Division AdvisorNew Mexico State University
Business & Public Services
What type of skills will young Consulting Specialists need?
Argie Hernandez: -Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)
What experience really stands out on Consulting Specialist resumes?
Peter Woolley Ph.D.: It depends on who is doing the hiring. (a.) Experience with budget management and any analysis is usually considered a big plus. Everyone runs on a budget. Someone's got to understand it and get the most out of it. I always recommend everyone take as many public finance courses as they can stand. (b.) Experience in a supervisory position is a standout. Emphasize any assignments you had looking after other people. And don't say you were assigned to train new employees. Say you were hand-picked to orient, onboard, and train new employees.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Consulting Specialists to find work opportunities?
Meghan Kahn Ph.D.: Most of our graduates have ties to the Kentuckian area, as we are a regional campus of Indiana University. Jobs in mental health continue to be in high demand across the country and the local area. Many of our undergraduates find employment in the Indiana Department of Child Services or local applied behavioral analysis organizations such as Little Star and Hopebridge. Data analysis and program assessment are other jobs that are needed in organizations across the nation.
How do you envision technology impacting Consulting Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Drew Wolf: The impact of technology is one of the reasons leadership is significant to a resume. As more business is conducted away from the office and via virtual meetings, companies look for candidates independent of constant supervision; an applicant who shows initiative and the ability to prioritize and get things done is a valuable employee in today's technology-fueled business world.
What Consulting Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Nagler: A gap year might be the right move for some students, especially if the online environment is not for them. Fortunately, I know of students who have obtained great online internships, jobs, and other opportunities that allow them to grow their experience during the pandemic. Many companies are seeking online talent to build out products and marketing strategies.
Michael Lorr Ph.D.
Chair, Professor of Sociology, & Director of the Community Leadership ProgramAquinas College
Sociology Department
What type of skills will young Consulting Specialists need?
Michael Lorr Ph.D.: Graduates in sociology and community leadership will need to be critical thinkers, meaning they need to see the world from multiple perspectives and not be blinded by their ideologies. They also will need to continue to have and learn to facilitate difficult conversations across social divisions, both in-person and online--as the pandemic is illustrating.
Kim Chatani
Assistant ProfessorConcordia University Irvine
School of Business & Economics
What general advice would you give to a Consulting Specialist?
Kim Chatani: The career path for graduating students is full of unpredictability, as we have seen during this COVID 19 pandemic. In addition to academic excellence, graduates will face challenges that will test their core principles and beliefs. My advice is to view each challenge you meet with a long-term perspective while addressing the immediate concerns in a balanced way. Your career will span decades, and what you may face during the first several years will only be a fraction of your professional career. View how your immediate decision may impact you in the long-term.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Consulting Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Kim Chatani: Starting salaries will continue to increase but will be more dictated by supply and demand for the skill sets that graduates will provide. The current COVID 19 pandemic has put traditional thinking on its head. Employers will be evaluating employee skills in a multi-dimensional plane, competency, mobility, and transferability.
What type of skills will young Consulting Specialists need?
Jim Drinkwine: Employers consistently say they want graduates with strong people skills. While technical skills are good, being able to work effectively in group settings is more important. I hear from students all the time about how much they dislike group projects for several reasons. However, the topic of the group project isn't as crucial as the teamwork skills you develop as a part of this type of learning. Take every opportunity you can to develop strong skills in interpersonal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Consulting Specialists to find work opportunities?
David Smith: My work tends to focus on those seeking careers in conflict-sensitive fields, such as conflict resolution, humanitarian work, local and international development, and peacebuilding. Those working in these areas are driven by the locus of the work, that is, where the needs are and those that need support. In some cases, this is within one's own community, and in others, overseas.