Huron Consulting Firm Profile: Careers, Salaries, and Culture

Huron Consulting Firm is a global consulting company best known for its work in healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, it offers opportunities for candidates to work on strategy, operations, and digital transformation projects. The firm provides consulting experience in fast-changing industries while maintaining a collaborative culture.

In this article, we will explore what Huron Consulting is known for, its history, careers, culture, salaries, and more.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• Huron Consulting Firm is known for healthcare, higher education, and life sciences, with growing expertise in digital transformation and business operations.
• The firm employs 7,400+ people, has 24 global offices, $1.36B in revenue, and is led by CEO Mark Hussey.
• Huron Consulting careers follow a structured path from analyst to leadership, with opportunities across consulting practice areas and industry specialization.
• Internships last 10–12 weeks, pay about $30/hour plus bonus, and often convert to full-time consulting roles.
• Huron Consulting salaries range from $98,000 for associates to $139,000 for senior consultants, slightly below Big 4 pay levels.

What is Huron Consulting Firm known for?

Huron Consulting Firm is known for its expertise in healthcare consulting, higher education, and life sciences, along with expanding services in digital transformation and business operations. The firm helps organizations improve efficiency, manage change, and adapt to industry challenges.

Huron’s reputation has been built around three pillars:

• Healthcare consulting: Providing solutions for care transformation, research enterprise support, and hospital operations.
• Higher education: Partnering with universities to improve student outcomes, research programs, and financial stability.
• Life sciences and commercial industries: Assisting companies in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and other industries with strategy and innovation.

Beyond these, Huron has expanded into areas like digital, technology, and analytics, allowing clients to modernize operations through data-driven insights.

The firm is also recognized for long-standing client relationships, with repeat business across education, healthcare, and life sciences. For aspiring consultants, this translates into exposure to projects that blend industry expertise with strategic problem solving.

What are the key stats about Huron Consulting?

Huron Consulting Firm has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, employs more than 7,400 people, operates across 24 global offices, and reported revenue of $1.36 billion. The firm is led by Mark Hussey, who serves as CEO and President.

Key facts about Huron include:

• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
• Number of employees: 7,400+
• Number of offices: 24 locations worldwide
• Annual revenue: $1.36 billion
• Current CEO and President: Mark Hussey

These figures highlight Huron’s position as a mid-sized consulting firm with a strong presence in healthcare, education, and life sciences. For candidates, the global footprint offers opportunities to work across industries while being part of a growing advisory practice.

Is Huron Consulting publicly listed and who leads the firm?

Huron Consulting is a publicly listed company on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol HURN, and it is led by Mark Hussey, who serves as CEO and President.

The firm went public in 2004, only two years after its founding in Chicago. Since then, it has maintained steady growth, expanding into international markets and broadening its consulting services.

Leadership at Huron is centered on long-term client partnerships and innovation in healthcare, higher education, and life sciences. Mark Hussey has been instrumental in continuing this strategy while expanding digital and technology capabilities.

For aspiring consultants, the firm’s public status adds transparency around financial performance, while its leadership direction shapes career opportunities and industry focus.

What is the history of Huron Consulting?

Huron Consulting was founded in 2002 in Chicago and went public in 2004, growing through acquisitions and focusing on healthcare, higher education, and life sciences.

The firm was originally established by former Arthur Andersen partners after the firm’s collapse. Since its founding, Huron has steadily expanded its services and global reach.

Notable milestones in Huron’s history include:

• 2002: Founded in Chicago, Illinois
• 2004: Listed on NASDAQ under the ticker HURN
• 2015: Acquired Studer Group to expand healthcare consulting
• 2016–2019: Added several digital and cloud-based firms including MyRounding and Innosight Institute
• 2023: Continued to grow in digital transformation and analytics consulting

Huron has remained committed to its niche industries while diversifying its capabilities through technology and innovation. This consistency has helped the firm maintain credibility and attract clients in highly regulated and complex sectors.

How does Huron Consulting structure its careers?

Huron Consulting careers follow a structured path from analyst to consultant, senior consultant, manager, and eventually leadership roles, with opportunities across healthcare, education, and life sciences projects.

Entry-level hires typically start as analysts or associate consultants, focusing on data analysis and client deliverables. As you progress, responsibilities expand to project leadership, client management, and strategic planning.

Key aspects of Huron’s career structure include:

• Analyst/Associate Consultant: Entry-level research, analysis, and project support
• Consultant/Senior Consultant: Direct client interaction, solution development, and mentorship of junior staff
• Manager/Director: Overseeing teams, managing multiple projects, driving business development
• Leadership roles: Shaping firm strategy and growing practice areas

Huron also invests in professional development, with training programs, mentorship, and opportunities to specialize in digital, technology, or organizational transformation. For candidates, this means career growth is tied to both performance and expertise.

How competitive is it to get a job at Huron Consulting?

It is moderately competitive to get a job at Huron Consulting, as the firm recruits from select schools and looks for candidates with strong analytical and communication skills.

Huron typically hires through campus recruiting, career fairs, and direct applications on its website. Most undergraduate and MBA candidates apply during fall recruiting cycles, when consulting firms are most active.

Key factors influencing competitiveness include:

• Target schools: Huron recruits heavily from universities such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, and University of Notre Dame.
• Interview difficulty: Candidates face case interviews, behavioral assessments, and sometimes a “SuperDay” combining multiple rounds.
• Skill requirements: Strong problem solving, leadership experience, and industry interest (healthcare, education, life sciences) are highly valued.

For candidates outside target schools, networking and referrals often improve chances of securing an interview. While Huron is selective, it is less competitive than MBB firms, making it an attractive option for those seeking industry-focused consulting careers.

What internships does Huron Consulting offer students?

Huron Consulting offers summer internships for undergraduates and graduate students, typically lasting 10 to 12 weeks and often leading to full-time offers. These internships provide hands-on consulting experience in healthcare, higher education, and life sciences.

Internships are designed to introduce students to client-facing work and problem solving in dynamic industries. Recruiting usually occurs in the fall at select universities, where Huron hosts info sessions and interviews.

Highlights of Huron Consulting internship programs include:

• Length: 10 to 12 weeks during the summer
• Compensation: Around $30 per hour with a signing bonus for interns
• Conversion rate: Many interns receive full-time offers upon successful completion
• Experience: Exposure to real client projects, teamwork, and professional development training

Students interested in these programs are encouraged to apply through their career services offices or directly via Huron’s website. Networking with recruiters and alumni can also increase the likelihood of receiving an interview.

What industries and practice areas does Huron Consulting serve?

Huron Consulting serves industries such as healthcare, higher education, and life sciences, while its practice areas include business operations, digital transformation, and organizational change. These sectors represent the firm’s core expertise and largest share of client work.

Key industries supported by Huron:

• Healthcare: Hospital systems, care transformation, and research enterprise support
• Higher education: Student success, financial stability, and academic research consulting
• Life sciences: Pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical technology firms
• Commercial industries: Energy, financial services, consumer products, and real estate

Major practice areas include:

• Business operations: Efficiency improvements and cost optimization
• Consumer transformation: Enhancing patient, student, and customer experiences
• Digital, technology, and analytics: Cloud solutions, data platforms, and AI applications
• Organizational transformation: Change management and leadership alignment
• Strategy and innovation: Helping institutions adapt to shifting market demands

Huron’s focus on regulated, research-driven sectors positions it as a consulting partner for clients seeking both industry depth and digital expertise.

What is the culture like at Huron Consulting?

The culture at Huron Consulting is described as collaborative, supportive, and focused on professional development, with strong diversity and inclusion programs for employees. Many consultants value the balance of meaningful client work and a positive work environment.

Huron promotes inclusion through employee resource groups and leadership-backed initiatives. These programs support women, working parents, and underrepresented groups, creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to grow.

Key aspects of Huron’s culture include:

• Collaboration: Teams work closely across industries and geographies
• Work-life balance: Reasonable hours compared to larger firms, though project intensity varies
• Diversity and inclusion: Formal initiatives for women, parents, and minority employees
• Learning environment: Mentorship, training programs, and on-the-job coaching

Employee feedback often highlights “good people,” strong teamwork, and opportunities for advancement. While some report challenges with promotion speed, the overall environment is seen as encouraging and people-focused.

How does the Huron Consulting interview process work?

The Huron Consulting interview process typically includes three stages: a screening call, one case interview, and two behavioral interviews, sometimes combined into a single SuperDay.

The process is structured to test problem solving, industry knowledge, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared for both quantitative analysis and team-based behavioral scenarios.

Steps in the interview process include:

• Screening call: Initial fit and resume discussion with a recruiter
• Case interview: Testing structured problem solving and analytical skills
• Behavioral interviews: Assessing leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities
• SuperDay option: Multiple interviews completed in one day for efficiency

Example interview questions asked in the past:

• How would you handle a project running over its deadline?
• What techniques would you use to build a more cohesive team?
• Why do you want to work for Huron Consulting?

Strong preparation in both case interview practice and behavioral frameworks is essential for success in Huron’s hiring process.

How much does Huron Consulting pay consultants?

Huron Consulting salaries range from about $98,000 for associate consultants to $139,000 for senior consultants, with interns earning around $30 per hour plus a signing bonus.

Compensation varies by role, level, and office location. While pay is generally competitive, some employees note that promotions may not always be matched with significant salary increases.

Typical salary ranges at Huron:

• Consulting Intern (undergraduate/graduate): $30/hour + $2,000 signing bonus
• Associate Consultant: $98,000
• Senior Consultant: $139,000
• Technical Analyst: $95,000

Huron’s pay scale is considered slightly below the Big 4, but it still offers strong benefits and solid career progression opportunities, especially in healthcare and education consulting.

What exit opportunities do consultants have after Huron?

Consultants at Huron typically exit into roles in corporate strategy, healthcare management, higher education administration, or technology and digital transformation. Many also transition to other consulting firms for broader industry exposure.

The most common exit paths include:

• Corporate strategy roles in healthcare systems, universities, or Fortune 500 companies
• Industry positions in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or education technology firms
• Other consulting firms seeking candidates with specialized experience
• Technology and analytics roles in digital transformation and data-driven organizations
• Nonprofit and public sector leadership for those with experience in education or research

Huron’s industry-focused model helps consultants build transferable skills in problem solving, client management, and organizational change. These skills allow for smooth transitions into leadership roles across multiple industries.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What is the Huron Consulting Group scandal?
A: The Huron Consulting Group scandal refers to 2009 accounting issues that led to leadership changes and financial restatements. While challenging at the time, the firm has since strengthened governance and continues to provide trusted management consulting services.

Q: Is Huron a top consulting firm?
A: Huron is considered a top consulting firm in specialized areas like healthcare consulting, higher education consulting, and life sciences consulting. It is well-regarded for its industry expertise and strong consulting career path opportunities.

Q: What are the benefits of working at Huron Consulting?
A: The benefits of working at Huron Consulting include competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and access to diversity and inclusion programs. Many professionals also value the supportive consulting firm culture and structured Huron Consulting careers progression.

Q: Who does Huron Consulting compete with?
A: Huron Consulting competes with other major management consulting firms such as Accenture, PwC, and Deloitte, particularly in healthcare, higher education, and life sciences consulting services.

Q: What is the turnover of Huron Consulting?
A: The turnover of Huron Consulting can vary by year and practice area, but like many firms, it reflects the demands of consulting careers. Candidates often ask “Is Huron Consulting a good firm to work for?” because culture and career progression influence retention.