What should you charge for consulting in 2026? Average rates range $100–$300 per hour. See typical job costs, what affects pricing, and build a professional proposal.
Typical market range. Actual costs vary by region, job scope, and provider experience.
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Strategy session (1 hour) | $150–$400 |
| Monthly retainer | $2,000–$10,000/mo |
| Project-based engagement | $5,000–$50,000 |
| Workshop facilitation (half day) | $1,500–$5,000 |
Prices are U.S. market averages for 2026. Local rates vary.
Ready to send a proposal?
Use our free consulting proposal template. Sample proposal, section-by-section tips, and what clients want to see.
View Consulting template →Generalist business consultants charge $100–$200/hr. Specialized consultants (strategy, finance, tech) run $200–$500/hr. Top-tier management consulting firms bill $300–$1,000/hr for senior partners.
Retainers provide ongoing access for a monthly fee — good for sustained strategy work. Project-based engagements have a defined deliverable and timeline — better for one-time initiatives.
A good proposal covers the problem statement, recommended approach, timeline, deliverables, fees, and payment terms. It should be specific enough that both parties know what success looks like.
BidMaker lets you quote consulting jobs in minutes. Set your rates once — proposals write themselves.
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See a sample consulting proposal with tips and what to include.
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Want rates broken down by state? Use the contractor rate calculator → BLS wage data with markup applied, for every trade in every state.