PwC Consulting (Strategy&) Salary by Level: Complete 2025 Guide

Key Insights:

• PwC consulting salary ranges from $59,000 for interns to $542,000 for partners, with steady progression across roles.
• PwC Associates earn $73,000 to $106,000, while Consultants make $96,000 to $138,000, with Strategy& offering higher total compensation.
• PwC Senior Consultants earn $114,000 to $170,000, but Strategy& senior roles reach up to $242,000, comparable to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.
• A PwC Manager salary is $148,000 to $227,000, while Strategy& Managers earn $196,000 to $308,000 with larger bonuses.
• PwC partner salary ranges from $299,000 to $542,000, while Strategy& partners reach $700,000, competitive with top consulting firms.

A consulting career at PwC offers competitive compensation, but pay varies widely depending on your level. From interns and associates to senior consultants, managers, and partners, each step comes with distinct salary ranges and bonus structures. Understanding the PwC consulting salary helps you see how compensation compares to Big 4 peers and Strategy&, PwC’s strategy arm. In this article, we will explore salary data by role, highlight differences across levels, and show how PwC stacks up against top consulting firms.

What is the PwC consulting salary by level?

The PwC consulting salary varies by role, with interns earning around $59,000 to $83,000 annually and partners reaching $299,000 to $542,000. Pay progression moves through associates, senior consultants, and managers, with Strategy& salaries often higher. This salary range reflects base pay, bonuses, and additional compensation.

PwC salaries are structured to increase steadily as you progress through the consulting career path. Each role has a defined range that accounts for base salary, performance bonus, and other forms of compensation such as profit sharing or allowances.

Here’s an overview of PwC consulting salary progression in the US:

• Intern: $59,000 to $83,000
• Associate/Consultant: $73,000 to $138,000
• Senior Associate/Senior Consultant: $95,000 to $170,000
• Manager: $148,000 to $227,000
• Partner: $299,000 to $542,000

At Strategy&, PwC’s strategy division, salaries tend to be higher across nearly all levels, reflecting its market positioning. For example, Strategy& senior consultants can earn up to $242,000, which is on par with industry leaders like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

Salary progression at PwC shows a clear step-up at each stage of the consulting career path, rewarding increased responsibility and client impact.

How much do PwC consulting interns make?

PwC consulting interns in the US earn between $59,000 and $83,000 annually when annualized, while Strategy& interns make $48,000 to $78,000. These figures mainly reflect base pay with a small performance bonus.

Intern salaries at PwC are designed to provide competitive pay while giving students meaningful project exposure. Most of the compensation comes from base salary, with only a modest bonus added.

At PwC:

• Base salary: $57,000 to $78,000
• Bonus: $3,000 to $5,000
• Total annualized: $59,000 to $83,000

At Strategy&:

• Base salary: $44,000 to $71,000
• Bonus: $4,000 to $7,000
• Total annualized: $48,000 to $78,000

Interns at PwC often take on supporting client work, while Strategy& interns are exposed to strategy-focused projects. The compensation is broadly competitive with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, though those firms often provide more additional pay options such as stock or commission.

For students, this means PwC offers a stable base with less variability, while Strategy& provides similar pay but with slightly higher bonus potential.

What is the PwC Associate and Consultant salary?

PwC Associates earn about $73,000 to $106,000 annually, while Consultants make $96,000 to $138,000. At Strategy&, Associates and Consultants earn higher packages, ranging from $90,000 to $156,000 including bonuses and other pay.

At the entry level, PwC Associates generally focus on internal or support work, while Consultants engage directly with clients. The salary difference reflects the greater responsibility and travel demands of the consultant role.

PwC salary ranges:

• Associate: Base $70,000 to $100,000 | Bonus $3,000 to $6,000 | Total $73,000 to $106,000
• Consultant: Base $91,000 to $128,000 | Bonus $5,000 to $9,000 | Total $96,000 to $138,000

Strategy& salary ranges:

• Associate: Base $71,000 to $114,000 | Bonus $9,000 to $16,000 | Others $10,000 to $19,000 | Total $90,000 to $150,000
• Consultant: Base $78,000 to $119,000 | Bonus $9,000 to $17,000 | Others $10,000 to $20,000 | Total $97,000 to $156,000

Compared to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, Strategy& salaries at this level are on par, while PwC salaries fall below. For undergraduates entering consulting, PwC provides solid pay, though Strategy& or MBB roles offer stronger compensation growth.

How much do PwC Senior Consultants earn?

PwC Senior Consultants earn between $114,000 and $170,000 annually, while Senior Associates earn slightly less at $95,000 to $138,000. At Strategy&, Senior Consultants can reach $242,000, which is highly competitive with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

Senior-level roles at PwC differ by function. Senior Associates handle advanced internal or client support, while Senior Consultants take lead responsibility in client-facing workstreams.

PwC salary ranges:

• Senior Associate: Base $91,000 to $130,000 | Bonus $4,000 to $8,000 | Total $95,000 to $138,000
• Senior Consultant: Base $106,000 to $156,000 | Bonus $7,000 to $14,000 | Total $114,000 to $170,000

Strategy& salary ranges:

• Senior Associate: Base $98,000 to $151,000 | Bonus $13,000 to $25,000 | Others $17,000 to $32,000 | Total $129,000 to $208,000
• Senior Consultant: Base $108,000 to $160,000 | Bonus $14,000 to $26,000 | Others $30,000 to $56,000 | Total $152,000 to $242,000

The data shows that PwC offers consistent pay but lags behind competitors at this level, while Strategy& matches or exceeds industry standards. MBA hires often enter at Senior Consultant level, making this one of the most financially rewarding starting points in consulting.

What is the PwC consulting Manager salary?

A PwC consulting Manager earns between $148,000 and $227,000 annually, while Strategy& Managers make $196,000 to $308,000. Manager-level compensation includes base salary, bonuses, and additional income such as profit sharing.

At the Manager level, consultants oversee multiple workstreams, lead client relationships, and begin contributing to firm growth. Salaries increase significantly, reflecting responsibility for teams and project outcomes.

PwC salary ranges:

• Base: $116,000 to $167,000
• Bonus: $9,000 to $16,000
• Others: $23,000 to $44,000
• Total: $148,000 to $227,000

Strategy& salary ranges:

• Base: $134,000 to $191,000
• Bonus: $21,000 to $39,000
• Others: $41,000 to $78,000
• Total: $196,000 to $308,000

Compared with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, PwC Managers earn less overall, particularly in performance bonuses and profit sharing. However, Strategy& Managers are in line with MBB peers, with compensation packages often exceeding $250,000.

What does a partner at PwC make?

A partner at PwC earns between $299,000 and $542,000 annually, while a Strategy& partner makes $375,000 to $700,000. About half of partner pay comes from bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

Reaching partner level is the pinnacle of a PwC consulting career. Partner pay reflects firm performance, individual business development, and long-term client impact.

PwC partner salary ranges:

• Base: $160,000 to $283,000
• Bonus: $32,000 to $60,000
• Others: $107,000 to $199,000
• Total: $299,000 to $542,000

Strategy& partner salary ranges:

• Base: $176,000 to $327,000
• Bonus: $56,000 to $104,000
• Others: $143,000 to $268,000
• Total: $375,000 to $700,000

When compared to MBB partners, Strategy& partners are competitive, while PwC partners typically fall below in both base pay and performance-based compensation.

How does PwC consulting pay compare to Big 4 firms?

PwC consulting salaries are generally competitive with other Big 4 firms, but Strategy& salaries are often higher. At the senior levels, PwC pays less than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, though entry-level ranges are broadly similar across the Big 4.

Big 4 consulting salaries follow similar structures, with most pay weighted toward base salary and smaller bonuses. PwC salaries align closely with Deloitte, EY, and KPMG, though slight differences appear at certain levels.

Key trends:

• Intern and Associate salaries are nearly identical across Big 4 firms.
• PwC Consultants may earn slightly less in bonuses than peers.
• At Manager and Partner levels, PwC falls behind in profit sharing compared to some rivals.
• Strategy& compensation is consistently higher, rivalling MBB pay.

For candidates, this means PwC offers reliable and competitive pay but may not match the upper ranges of MBB or Strategy&.

Does PwC offer signing bonuses or extra perks?

Yes, PwC provides signing bonuses, relocation packages, and allowances in addition to base salary and performance bonuses. These vary by office, role, and hiring cycle.

Beyond base salary and annual bonus, PwC consultants may receive:

• Signing bonuses for new hires, particularly MBA recruits
• Relocation assistance for moves between cities
• Business allowances for meals, travel, and client-related expenses
• Profit sharing or stock programs for senior roles

These perks are not always publicly reported but are a meaningful addition to overall compensation.

Is PwC consulting a good career path for pay and growth?

Yes, PwC consulting offers strong pay progression, career growth, and valuable exit opportunities, though salaries are lower than at MBB or Strategy&. The career path rewards responsibility and provides long-term stability.

PwC consultants can expect clear salary growth as they advance from intern to partner. Combined with training and client exposure, this makes it a strong option for many candidates.

Key factors to consider:

• Salary progression is consistent and transparent.
• Career path provides steady promotion timelines.
• Exit opportunities include roles in industry, finance, and government.
• PwC’s brand provides credibility, especially in Big 4 contexts.

For those balancing pay, lifestyle, and growth, PwC offers a solid career path, even if compensation is not always at the top of the market.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is PwC prestigious for consulting?
A: Yes, PwC is considered prestigious in consulting, especially through its Strategy& practice, offering strong career paths, competitive PwC consulting salary packages, and global client exposure in industries from finance to technology.

Q: Which Big 4 firm pays the most?
A: Among Big 4 consulting salaries, Deloitte and PwC’s Strategy& often rank higher, with manager and partner-level compensation comparable to MBB firms, though exact pay depends on role, location, and performance bonuses.

Q: Why do so many people quit consulting?
A: Many people quit consulting due to long hours, frequent travel, and demanding workloads, even though the PwC consultant salary and Big 4 pay structures provide strong financial incentives and career progression.

Q: Why are consultants paid so well?
A: Consultants are paid well because firms like PwC charge clients premium rates for strategic advice, rewarding employees with high base salary ranges, performance bonuses, and total annual compensation packages.

Q: Do you get a raise every year at PwC?
A: Yes, most PwC employees receive annual raises tied to performance reviews, meaning PwC consulting salary progression typically includes steady increases as you advance along the consulting career path.