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How to hire a software consultant

Software consultant hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring software consultants in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a software consultant is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per software consultant on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 157,184 software consultants in the US, and there are currently 275,746 job openings in this field.
  • Madison, AL, has the highest demand for software consultants, with 3 job openings.

How to hire a software consultant, step by step

To hire a software consultant, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a software consultant:

Here's a step-by-step software consultant hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a software consultant job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new software consultant
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a software consultant do?

A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.

Learn more about the specifics of what a software consultant does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a software consultant, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A software consultant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, software consultants from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of software consultant salaries for various roles:

    Type of Software ConsultantDescriptionHourly rate
    Software ConsultantSoftware developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more$32-55
    Consultant Database AdministratorConsultant database administrators maintain and monitor the health and security of the database systems used in different applications utilized by international offices. They create database management procedures including, backup programs, server maintenance, and program updates... Show more$36-66
    Staff Software EngineerA Staff Software Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and repairing company software for maximum efficiency and usability. They instruct and mentor their team members in software development techniques and cloud development.$48-89
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Web Application
    • Database
    • Java
    • PL/SQL
    • SQL Server
    • Software Development
    • HTML
    • Architecture
    • C
    • C++
    • User Interface
    • Windows NT
    • Test Scripts
    • API
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Develop a tool under Linux using C/C++ and raw network sockets to automate testing and for bench marking.
    • Develop and implement Unix and Perl shell scripts to automate application support process and to minimize troubleshooting latency.
    • Develop UI using HTML, JavaScript, JSP, DHTML, CSS for interactive cross browser functionality and complex user interface.
    • Design and review Java application architecture; analyze software development process and suggest alternative technologies.
    • Used Java, JavaScript, HTML, store procedures, cursors, complex joins, etc.
    • Live supplier data and distributor information are fed into the system via BizTalk server using XML web services as external subscriptions.
    More software consultant duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your software consultant job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A software consultant salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, software consultants' average salary in wyoming is 35% less than in new york.
    • Seniority. Entry-level software consultants earn 41% less than senior-level software consultants.
    • Certifications. A software consultant with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a software consultant's salary.

    Average software consultant salary

    $88,605yearly

    $42.60 hourly rate

    Entry-level software consultant salary
    $68,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 5, 2025

    Average software consultant salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$109,435$53
    2New York$106,648$51
    3District of Columbia$103,512$50
    4New Jersey$99,408$48
    5Massachusetts$97,355$47
    6Pennsylvania$89,850$43
    7Arizona$88,761$43
    8Virginia$88,301$42
    9Alabama$87,376$42
    10North Carolina$85,674$41
    11Texas$80,849$39
    12Michigan$80,491$39
    13Wisconsin$79,517$38
    14Illinois$79,345$38
    15Minnesota$79,138$38
    16Georgia$78,484$38
    17Ohio$77,693$37
    18Florida$77,113$37

    Average software consultant salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Silver Peak$120,563$57.96
    2CompuData$116,578$56.05
    3Insurance Incorporated$109,286$52.54
    4Allied Solutions$108,785$52.307
    5Embarcadero Technologies$107,898$51.87
    6Cisco$106,727$51.31321
    7TIBCO Software$104,038$50.021
    8VMware$100,375$48.261
    9Virtusa$99,743$47.9556
    10Randstad North America, Inc.$99,619$47.8920
    11Integrated Business Systems & Services$99,322$47.75
    12Premier Technology$98,817$47.51
    13DSM Nutritional Products Inc$98,804$47.50
    14HCSC$98,433$47.327
    15BMC Software$97,431$46.841
    16SS&C Technologies$97,183$46.7233
    17Alltech$94,963$45.66
    18Power Costs$94,671$45.51
    19ACI Worldwide$94,624$45.493
    20Allegro Development$94,513$45.44
  4. Writing a software consultant job description

    A job description for a software consultant role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a software consultant job description:

    Software consultant job description example

    We create possibilities that move life and commerce forward

    Welcome to Manhattan Associates. Our supply chain commerce technology positively affects how people on six continents work, shop and live. If you want to tackle complex problems, push limits and redefine what's possible, you've come to the right place.

    We are seeking a Principal Consultant for our rapidly growing omni-channel software solutions product! In this role you will assist in the management of a single software system integration project to include overall success of an implementation from inception to installation, including managing project scope, design, deliverables, issue escalation and resolution. The Principal Consultant will work closely with cross function teams including sales, R&D, and product development and ensure the development of professional client relationships, client satisfaction, and referenceability.

    Additional responsibilities include:
    • Leads all aspects of the design phase and/or the entire project. Responsibilities include managing the overall budget, verifying accuracy of budget forecasts, client relationships, project scope and timeline.
    • Ensures key project goals and metrics are discussed and addressed throughout the project.
    • Manages project team members and verifies quality of project deliverables.
    • Provides bi-monthly status reports and leads regularly scheduled status meetings with the project team.
    • Escalates issues to MA senior management as needed.
    • May have team lead responsibilities.
    • May serve as a career mentor/advisor.
    • Provides individual performance feedback and contributes to performance evaluations.
    • May define and communicate performance expectations and goals at the project team and individual level.
    • Contributes to the learning of others and processes through knowledge sharing, including contribution to publications, case studies, marketing effort and project tools improvement.


    Successful candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering and at least 5 years of experience deploying supply chain and/or e-commerce software solutions. Additional requirements include the ability to use judgement and discretion to determine work priorities and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with both large and small project teams is essential. Experience with database troubleshooting (SQL) is also required. Minimum 50% travel is required.

    #LI-TS1

    Committed to diversity and inclusion

    At Manhattan, it's more than just about the work. Our team members' unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives add to us as a whole and make us unique. From cultural celebrations to interest groups to volunteer opportunities, your true self is welcome here.

    We are proudly an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a veteran. In the United States, Manhattan Associates participates in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. Participation in the E-Verify Program allows Manhattan Associates to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees after the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) has been completed.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right software consultant for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your software consultant job on Zippia to find and attract quality software consultant candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting software consultants requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    Sometimes, it's not enough to interview software consultant candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new software consultant

    Once you've selected the best software consultant candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new software consultant first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a software consultant?

There are different types of costs for hiring software consultants. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new software consultant employee.

Software consultants earn a median yearly salary is $88,605 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find software consultants for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $32 and $55.

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