You're considering starting your career in consulting? Smart decision, especially if you enjoy contributing to individually tailored strategies that can help businesses succeed. In the US, there are many top consulting firms that offer opportunities for both entry-levels and experienced professionals.
However, finding the right consulting firm can be challenging. That's why we've curated a list of some of the best consulting firms in the United States to help you choose your employer for your career.
So let's take a look at the top employers in the US and find the perfect match for you to start your consulting career!
The consulting landscape in the US is characterized by diversity, competition and innovation. As one of the largest economies in the world, the US is not only known as a ‘hatchery’ for the consulting industry but also attracts a wide range of consulting firms offering services in various industries and functional areas. This diversity is reflected in the spectrum of consulting firms, ranging from global heavyweights such as the MBB firms and the Big Four to highly specialized boutique consultancies and Tier 2 consulting firms.
A key difference in the US consulting landscape compared to other markets lies in its size and scope. The US offers enormous potential for consulting firms due to the multitude of industries and companies based here. This leads to intense competition and a high degree of frequent and high-quality innovation as consulting firms must differentiate themselves from each other.
Another defining characteristic of the US consulting landscape is its dynamism and adaptability. The US is considered a pioneer in the adoption of new technologies and business models. As a result, consulting firms must quickly adapt to these changes to remain relevant. Continuous development of skills and services, as well as close collaboration with clients to understand and meet their evolving needs, is essential.
For more information on why consulting landscapes can differ worldwide and a general overview, you can refer to the article on top consulting firms worldwide.
Here, you can start your deep dive into other regions and markets:
👉 Top Consulting Firms in New York City
👉 Top Consulting Firms in the UK
👉 Top Consulting Firms in Germany
In general, as well as in the US specifically, the best consultancies and therefore the most interesting employers for you can be categorized into MBB, Big 4, boutique consultancies and Tier 2 consulting firms.
Let's take a closer look at the various categories in the context of the US.
MBB, consisting of McKinsey & Company, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Bain & Company, are the most prestigious and top-tier companies in the consulting industry. They are globally renowned for their excellence, innovation and ambition in strategic consulting and have a strong presence and influence in the United States.
The undisputed leaders, MBB, were all founded in the US and have built a special reputation for themselves through their strong roots in the American business world. Their connection to top universities is still an important part of the recruiting strategy, especially in the United States, and is carefully considered during the hiring process.
Due to their prestige, exceptional compensation and generous benefits, McKinsey, BCG and Bain are often the first names that come to mind for candidates. Consultants working for MBB are among the highest-paid. Additionally, the 'Big Three' offer a variety of graduate programs and positions that attract top talent from around the world. As a result, McKinsey, BCG and Bain are growing rapidly and have an increasingly large impact on the business world.
For deeper insights, you can take a look at the article on the top consulting firms worldwide.
Furthermore, you can find exciting content from the MBB firms here:
McKinsey:
👉 McKinsey Personal Experience Interview
👉 McKinsey Problem Solving Game
👉 McKinsey Internship Application
BCG:
Bain:
The 'Big Four' – Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY) and KPMG – are leading companies in the US in the fields of auditing, tax advisory and consulting. They play a significant role in the US, offering a wide range of services to help companies achieve their goals and succeed in a dynamic business environment.
The Big 4 also originated in the US and maintain a close connection to the local market despite successful global expansion. With their global presence and international network, they play an important role in the business landscape of the US, serving some of the largest corporations in the country, government and organizations across all sectors.
Especially in the US, belonging to target universities is still a factor in the hiring process for Big Four companies. Similar to MBB, this is related to the close ties between alumni and companies.
You can find more information about the Big Four in the article on the top consulting firms worldwide.
Unlike MBB and Big Four companies, Tier 2 consulting firms offer tailored solutions for the specific needs of their clients and enjoy high respect in specialized niches and regional markets. In the US, there is a wide selection of such niche consultancies as all sectors are represented in this market.
Although Tier 2 consultancies often do not have the same level of prestige as the top consultancies, they are valuable partners for companies needing specialized support due to their comprehensive expertise and targeted concepts. Despite working on a much smaller scale, Tier-2 firms are known for their excellence, commitment to customer satisfaction, and ability to deliver tangible results in specific industries or business challenges.
Alvarez & Marsal was founded in 1983 by Tony Alvarez and Bryan Marsal with the goal of driving operational excellence and value creation for companies worldwide. The firm specializes in performance improvement, turnaround management and business advisory services. Their expertise lies in identifying and implementing the right solutions at the right time, providing cross-industry leadership, problem-solving and value creation globally.
Although Alvarez & Marsal is smaller than larger companies, its focused approach enables tailored solutions, positioning it as a valuable asset for companies seeking expert advice in addressing critical business challenges.
Key facts and figures about Alvarez & Marsal in the United States:
Headquarters: New York, New York
CEO: Bryan Marsal
Number of employees: 9,000
Total revenue (2023): $1.2 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 80+
Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-known management and technology consulting firm deeply rooted in the US, renowned for its excellence in management and technology consulting. The company's expertise, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, analytics, digital transformation and engineering, makes it a preferred choice for both government agencies and commercial enterprises.
Booz Allen Hamilton is committed to diversity, multiculturalism and social engagement to empower communities. Guided by integrity and courage, they assist clients in addressing challenges and building a better future. Their commitment to innovation ensures continuous improvements in supporting employees, clients and global initiatives.
Key facts and figures about Booz Allen Hamilton in the United States:
Headquarters: McLean, Virginia
CEO: Horacio Rozanski
Number of employees: 32,600
Total revenue: $7.9 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 80+
Discover more content on the following topics from Booz Allen Hamilton:
👉 Booz Allen Hamilton Case Interview
EY-Parthenon is a part of EY and specializes globally in strategic management consulting, with a notable presence in the United States. The firm's core competencies include mergers and acquisitions, market analysis and corporate strategy, leveraging analytics and data-driven insights to support their clients.
With consultants possessing expertise in strategy consulting and advanced analytics, the firm emphasizes collaboration to develop solutions that drive sustainable growth and value creation. EY-Parthenon's commitment to delivering high-quality strategic consulting enables clients to navigate complexities and effectively achieve long-term goals.
Key facts and figures about EY-Parthenon in the United States:
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
CEO: Jeff Wray
Number of employees: 9,000
Total revenue in 2023: $3 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 44+
Discover more materials on the following topics from EY-Parthenon:
FTI Consulting is a globally active consulting firm with a diverse range of services, founded in 1982. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. The firm is renowned for its expertise in areas such as forensic and litigation advisory, economic consulting, strategic communication, and technology services.
In the US, FTI Consulting has a strong presence and provides strategic consulting services to businesses, law firms, and government agencies. The company's multidisciplinary consulting approach enables it to address a wide range of issues.
Key facts and figures about FTI Consulting in the United States:
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
CEO: Steven H. Gunby
Number of employees: 8,000
Total revenue in 2023: $3.5 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 118
Kearney, formerly known as A.T. Kearney, is a global management consulting firm founded in 1926 and headquartered in Chicago. Kearney offers strategic consulting services to clients in the consumer goods, retail, healthcare, technology and telecommunications sectors. Renowned for its expertise in strategy, operations, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, and organizational restructuring, Kearney emphasizes collaboration to promote sustainable growth and value creation.
Key facts and figures about Kearney in the United States:
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
CEO: Alex Liu
Number of employees: 5,700
Total revenue in 2023: $148+ million (worldwide)
Number of offices: 60+
For more insights into Kearney:
Oliver Wyman was founded in 1984 and has established a presence in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore. Oliver Wyman serves a diverse clientele and specializes in strategy, operations, risk management, organizational transformation and digital transformation. Consultants bring a combination of industry experience, analytical rigor, and creative thinking to each project to achieve impactful results.
Beyond consulting services, Oliver Wyman is also actively engaged in social responsibility initiatives, supporting community development, environmental conservation and efforts for diversity and inclusion.
Key facts and figures about Oliver Wyman in the United States:
Headquarters: New York, New York
CEO: Nick Studer
Number of employees: 7,000
Total revenue in 2023: $2.5 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 60+
For more insights into Oliver Wyman:
👉 Oliver Wyman Numerical Reasoning Test
Strategy& is an international strategy consulting firm founded in 1914 as Booz Allen Hamilton and has been an independent part of the PwC network since its merger in 2014. With a focus on collaboration and partnership, Strategy& works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop strategies that promote sustainable growth and value creation. The company's global presence enables it to advise clients in various regions and industries.
Key facts and figures about Strategy& in the US:
Headquarters: New York, New York
CEO: Peter Gassmann
Number of employees: 3,000
Total revenue in 2023: $2.93 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices in 2023: 688
For more insights into Strategy&:
Boutique consulting firms in the US are smaller consultancies that specialize in niche areas or industries. They offer highly specialized services and customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients. While they may not have the global reach of larger consultancies, they benefit from their high expertise, flexibility, and direct access to clients. Their consultants can focus on specific areas, develop deep knowledge and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Since top firms offer opportunities for professionals at all levels, a career as a consultant is both varied and challenging.
Here are examples of boutique consulting firms:
Accenture is a global consulting firm with a broad range of capabilities, including consulting, strategy, digitalization, technology and operational services. With approximately 733,000 talented employees in over 120 countries, Accenture leverages technology to drive change, fosters strong ecosystem relationships and combines expertise in areas such as cloud, data and AI with industry knowledge.
In the US, Accenture has established smaller, specialized companies to expand its service offerings. While not directly comparable to traditional boutique consulting firms, these smaller units, such as Accenture Interactive for digital marketing and customer experience and Accenture Strategy for strategy consulting, specialize in specific areas. This strategic approach enhances Accenture's ability to meet diverse customer needs in the evolving US business environment.
Key facts and figures about Accenture in the United States:
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
CEO: Julie Sweet
Number of employees: 733,000
Total revenue (2023): $63.1 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 50
Discover more content on the following topics from Accenture:
👉 Accenture Application Process
AlixPartners is a globally positioned boutique consulting firm specializing in restructuring and turnaround management. With a strong presence in the US, the company offers its clients tailored solutions to address business challenges and maximize enterprise value.
Key facts and figures about AlixPartners in the US:
Headquarters: New York City, New York
CEO: Lisa Donahue
Number of employees: 5,000+ (worldwide)
Estimated annual revenue: $1 billion
Number of offices: 20
Altman Solon is a global strategy consulting firm that specializes in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sectors in the US. With a focus on strategic consulting, Altman Solon assists its clients in navigating the complexities of these rapidly evolving industries.
In the US, Altman Solon has become a key player, offering tailored solutions to companies. The consulting firm's expertise encompasses various aspects, including market research, competitive analysis and strategic planning. Altman Solon's customer-centric approach and industry-specific focus contribute to its reputation as a reliable advisor in the US.
Key facts and figures about Altman Solon in the United States:
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
CEO: Rory J. Altman
Number of employees: 500+
Total revenue (2023): $100+ million (worldwide)
Number of offices: 13
The Bridgespan Group specializes in consulting for non-profit organizations, foundations, investors and companies, particularly in the area of social impact. Also, The Bridgespan Group assists its clients in adapting their strategies and organizational development to be future-proof. The consulting firm has evolved in the US as a leading partner for philanthropic institutions and non-profit organizations.
Key facts and figures about The Bridgespan Group:
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
CEO: Jeff Bradach
Number of employees: approximately 250
Total revenue: Not disclosed (as it is a non-profit organization)
Number of offices: 4
Darby Consulting is a consulting firm based in the US, specializing in technology consulting. The company provides high-quality services in IT strategy, implementation and project management. With a strong focus on customer orientation and technical expertise, Darby Consulting works closely with companies to optimize their IT landscape and promote business success.
Key facts and figures about Darby Consulting:
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
CEO: Dan Darby
Number of employees: Not available
Total revenue in 2023: $108 million
Number of offices: 6
Eagle Hill operates in various sectors including financial services, public service, non-profit, healthcare, life sciences and technology. The consulting firm describes itself as a ‘living laboratory’ that takes risks to achieve success. By continuously testing and refining new processes and ideas, Eagle Hill helps its clients improve their market position.
Key facts and figures about Eagle Hill Consulting in the United States:
Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia
CEO: Melissa Jezior
Number of employees: approximately 500
Total revenue (as of 2023): Not disclosed
Number of offices: 5
Specializing in supporting organizations in executive development, talent management and business performance, ghSMART has made a name for itself among boutique consulting firms in the US. Particularly notable for the firm are backgrounds in psychology studies and strong analytical skills. As consultants for a variety of Fortune 500 companies, ghSMART is an exciting employer in a specialized field in the US.
Key facts and figures about ghSMART:
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
CEO: Randall Hatcher
Number of employees: approximately 200
Total revenue (as of 2023): Not disclosed
Number of offices: 3
Insight Sourcing is a leading boutique consulting firm specializing in strategic sourcing and supply chain management. Headquartered in the US and part of Accenture, the firm offers a wide range of services aimed at optimizing procurement strategy and reducing costs.
Key facts and figures about Insight Sourcing Group in the United States:
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
CEO: Tom Beaty
Number of employees: 150+
Total revenue in 2023: approximately $36 million
Number of offices: Multiple locations across the US
Putnam Associates specializes in management consulting in the life sciences sector in the US, focusing on areas such as strategy development, market entry and business optimization in healthcare. Candidates with solid knowledge in healthcare or backgrounds in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or medicine are particularly appealing to the firm.
Key facts and figures about Putnam Associates in the United States:
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
CEO: Rob Goodwin
Number of employees: approximately 200
Total revenue (as of 2023): Not disclosed
Number of offices: 2
L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm offering a wide range of services to clients from various industries, including healthcare, life sciences, private equity and retail. They specialize in strategy consulting and value diversity, intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking and solution-oriented approaches.
In the US, L.E.K. is recognized as a key player, providing strategic solutions to help clients address complex business challenges. The firm's expertise includes areas such as M&A, market entry strategy and performance improvement.
Key facts and figures about L.E.K. in the United States:
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
CEO: Iain Evans
Number of employees: 1,600 (worldwide)
Total revenue in 2023: $1.1 billion (worldwide)
Number of offices: 21
Discover more materials on the following topics from L.E.K. Consulting:
Jobs in the consulting industry are highly popular. The benefits are clear: exciting career prospects, an attractive salary, insights into various sectors and projects, etc. However, there are many things you can already do now for a successful application. The following points are helpful if you aspire to a career in a top consulting firm:
If you keep these points in mind and actively shape your career, there will soon be nothing standing in the way of you and your top consulting firm.
In summary, a consulting career in the US is a strategic and promising opportunity. All levels and areas find a home in these top consulting firms. MBB firms are distinguished by their prestige and global influence, particularly in strategy consulting. The Big Four offer versatility and extensive resources, while boutique and tier 2 consultancies provide specialized expertise tailored to specific industries.
If you are considering a career in consulting, you should be able to identify with the values and goals of your potential new employer to make a sustainable career decision. Whether you aim to work in a high-profile global environment, gain diverse experiences in a large company, or specialize in a boutique consultancy, this guide provides a valuable overview to help you find the ideal start for a fulfilling career!
