Top Consulting Firms in New York: 2025 Guide for Aspiring Consultants

New York City stands at the heart of global business and strategy, home to many of the top consulting firms in New York that drive innovation, advise Fortune 500 companies, and shape industries worldwide. Whether you’re exploring consulting firms in NYC for your next career move or researching where to launch your consulting journey, the city offers unmatched opportunities across strategy, digital, and management consulting. From MBB powerhouses to specialized boutiques, each firm brings a unique value proposition and culture.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• New York is a global hub for consulting, attracting top firms through its finance, tech, and corporate ecosystem.
• The top consulting firms in New York include McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Accenture, Booz Allen, and IBM.
• MBB and management consulting firms in New York lead strategy projects for global clients across finance, healthcare, and technology.
• Big 4 and tech-driven consulting firms in NYC focus on digital transformation, risk, and operational excellence.
• Boutique and specialized firms in New York offer faster career growth and niche consulting expertise in healthcare, finance, and analytics.

Why New York Is a Global Hub for Consulting

New York is a global consulting hub because it brings together the world’s largest financial institutions, multinational corporations, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Many of the top consulting firms in New York and other consulting firms in NYC operate here to serve diverse industries ranging from finance and healthcare to technology and media.

New York’s consulting landscape is defined by opportunity and scale. The city hosts thousands of corporate headquarters and regional offices, offering consultants access to clients that operate on a global stage. Whether advising investment banks, biotech firms, or digital platforms, consultants in New York are at the center of decision-making that shapes markets worldwide.

The city’s strengths extend beyond business. Its international workforce, academic excellence, and cultural diversity foster innovation and fresh perspectives in consulting engagements. Firms draw top talent from nearby institutions such as Columbia, NYU, and Cornell Tech, ensuring a steady stream of analytical and creative thinkers.

Key reasons New York remains the top consulting destination include:

• Concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and private equity firms
• High client demand for digital transformation and sustainability consulting
• Strong talent pipeline from elite universities and MBA programs
• Global reach supported by extensive transport and business infrastructure

For professionals considering a consulting career, New York offers a unique blend of global exposure, industry variety, and professional prestige. The city remains the place where consulting strategies turn into real-world impact.

Top Consulting Firms in New York You Should Know

The top consulting firms in New York include global leaders like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, alongside Big 4 firms Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. Other major players such as Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and IBM provide expertise in technology, strategy, and digital transformation, making New York a key center for consulting careers and innovation.

New York’s consulting scene is one of the most competitive and diverse in the world. The city attracts both global strategy powerhouses and specialized firms offering advisory services across finance, healthcare, retail, and technology. Whether you are an aspiring consultant or an experienced professional, these firms define excellence and opportunity in the industry.

Here are the 10 leading consulting firms shaping New York’s consulting market in 2025:

1. McKinsey & Company – A strategy leader with deep roots in New York, McKinsey partners with top corporations and institutions across finance, technology, and healthcare.
2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) – Known for its innovative approach to problem-solving and digital transformation, BCG’s Hudson Yards office anchors its East Coast presence.
3. Bain & Company – Renowned for its collaborative culture and data-driven strategies, Bain’s New York office supports both commercial and nonprofit clients.
4. Deloitte Consulting – A global leader in management and technology consulting, Deloitte’s NYC hub at Rockefeller Plaza drives large-scale transformation across industries.
5. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – PwC’s Madison Avenue office specializes in financial services, cybersecurity, and operational consulting.
6. Ernst & Young (EY) – EY-Parthenon strengthens the firm’s strategy capabilities, particularly in finance, tech, and performance improvement.
7. Accenture – A global innovation powerhouse focused on AI, analytics, and digital transformation projects across New York’s corporate sector.
8. KPMG – Known for its strong advisory and risk management practices, KPMG offers consulting services spanning finance and regulatory domains.
9. Booz Allen Hamilton – A top choice for professionals interested in technology-driven and government consulting, with growing commercial opportunities.
10. IBM Consulting – Specializes in technology, cloud, and AI solutions, blending traditional consulting with cutting-edge innovation.

These firms represent the full spectrum of consulting expertise available in New York, from pure strategy and financial advisory to tech and implementation.

McKinsey, BCG, and Bain: New York’s Strategy Leaders

McKinsey, BCG, and Bain lead the management consulting firms in New York, serving Fortune 500 clients and global organizations across finance, healthcare, and technology. Known collectively as the MBB firms, they define strategy excellence, offering high-impact problem-solving, mentorship-driven cultures, and some of the most competitive career paths in the consulting industry.

The MBB firms dominate New York’s strategy consulting scene due to their long-standing client relationships and deep industry expertise. Each firm brings a unique approach to solving complex business challenges while maintaining a global network that allows consultants to work on transformative projects.

McKinsey & Company focuses on strategic leadership and digital transformation for leading corporations and institutions. Its New York office at 3 World Trade Center is the firm’s largest, home to more than 2,000 consultants. McKinsey’s work spans industries like financial services, healthcare, and technology, making it a top choice for those seeking global exposure and impact.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) emphasizes creativity and analytical rigor. Its Hudson Yards office symbolizes innovation, housing teams that specialize in corporate strategy, sustainability, and digital transformation. BCG consultants often collaborate with cutting-edge technology partners, helping clients reinvent business models for the future economy.

Bain & Company differentiates itself with its close-knit culture and client-focused results. Based near Bryant Park, Bain New York works on projects ranging from private equity to consumer goods. The firm’s strong mentorship culture and emphasis on teamwork make it particularly appealing to early-career consultants.

Together, MBB firms shape the consulting identity of New York by combining world-class talent, high-profile clients, and an unmatched network of global opportunities.

Big 4 and Tech-Driven Consulting Firms in New York

The Big 4 and tech-driven consulting firms in New York, Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Accenture, and IBM, combine deep industry expertise with digital innovation. These firms lead projects in technology, finance, and operations, helping global clients modernize systems, improve performance, and drive transformation across sectors that define New York’s diverse and fast-paced consulting market.

The Big 4 and technology-focused consultancies play an essential role in New York’s consulting landscape. Their work extends beyond traditional management consulting, encompassing implementation, digital transformation, and advanced analytics. These firms provide both the strategic guidance and technical execution that modern businesses need.

Deloitte Consulting has one of the largest presences in New York, offering services across strategy, human capital, and technology. Its consultants are known for managing large-scale digital and operational transformations for Fortune 500 clients.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) focuses on cybersecurity, risk management, and financial services consulting. Its New York office supports clients in navigating regulatory complexity and implementing digital solutions that improve efficiency.

Ernst & Young (EY), through EY-Parthenon, strengthens its strategy consulting footprint in New York. The firm’s expertise in performance improvement and business transformation attracts professionals seeking a balance between advisory work and innovation.

KPMG offers advisory services rooted in risk management, operations, and regulatory consulting. Its strong financial services portfolio aligns closely with New York’s status as a global finance hub.

Accenture bridges strategy and technology by leading projects in cloud computing, AI, and digital transformation. Its consultants work with top consumer brands, financial institutions, and public organizations to drive large-scale change.

IBM Consulting (formerly IBM Global Business Services) specializes in advanced analytics, cloud, and AI integration. Its New York office plays a major role in designing tech-enabled strategies that deliver measurable results.

These firms reflect the city’s growing convergence between management consulting and technology innovation, making New York an ideal environment for consultants eager to work at the intersection of business and digital strategy.

Which Consulting Firms Pay the Most in New York?

Among the top consulting firms in New York, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain offer the highest total compensation, with base salaries often exceeding $110,000 for entry-level consultants. Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC follow closely, while technology-driven consultancies such as Accenture and IBM offer competitive pay, especially in digital and strategy-focused roles.

Compensation in New York consulting reflects both the city’s cost of living and the intensity of client work. While salaries are higher than most U.S. markets, so are the expectations and workload. Candidates should weigh financial benefits against lifestyle and firm culture when evaluating offers.

Salary Overview by Firm Category (2025 Estimates):

• MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain): Base salaries around $115,000 to $125,000 for entry-level consultants; total compensation can exceed $150,000 with bonuses.
• Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG): Base salaries typically range from $85,000 to $100,000; total packages reach $110,000 to $130,000 for high performers.
• Tech-Driven Firms (Accenture, IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton): Salaries range from $90,000 to $110,000; tech-focused roles and AI consulting projects often command higher bonuses.
• Boutiques and Specialized Firms: Compensation varies widely but can rival MBB levels for niche expertise, especially in finance and analytics.

Beyond salary, benefits such as signing bonuses, relocation support, and hybrid flexibility add value to consulting packages. MBB firms generally offer faster progression and higher long-term earning potential, while Big 4 firms provide broader exposure and stability.

If you’re evaluating consulting offers in New York, focus not only on pay but also on mentorship, project diversity, and long-term growth potential, factors that can shape your entire consulting career.

What Are the Top Boutique Consulting Firms in New York?

The best consulting firms in New York among boutiques include Charles River Associates, The Brattle Group, Chartis Group, and Cornerstone Research. These firms specialize in economic consulting, healthcare strategy, and financial advisory. They offer smaller teams, focused expertise, and faster career growth compared to larger consulting firms in NYC like the MBB or Big 4.

Boutique consulting firms play a vital role in New York’s ecosystem by serving niche industries that require deep specialization. While they may not have the scale of global players, their expertise, agility, and personalized approach make them highly sought after by clients and consultants alike.

Leading Boutique Consulting Firms in New York (2025):

• Charles River Associates (CRA): Focuses on corporate strategy, antitrust, and financial economics, advising Fortune 500 clients and top law firms.
• The Brattle Group: Specializes in economic analysis, energy, and competition cases, attracting consultants with strong quantitative skills.
• Chartis Group: Concentrates on healthcare consulting, clinical transformation, and digital innovation for hospitals and health systems.
• Cornerstone Research: Provides litigation and economic consulting, supporting law firms and corporate clients in complex financial disputes.
• Marakon (part of CRA): Offers executive-level strategy advisory, helping leadership teams align corporate performance with long-term growth goals.

Boutique firms often provide faster advancement, closer mentorship, and exposure to diverse project types. They also appeal to consultants who prefer specialized problem-solving over large-scale implementation.

Whether your interests lie in economic modeling, healthcare strategy, or litigation advisory, New York’s boutique consulting firms offer rewarding alternatives to traditional management consulting careers.

How to Choose the Right Consulting Firm for Your Career

To choose the right consulting firm for your career, focus on aligning your goals, interests, and preferred work style with each firm’s culture and project types. Evaluate whether you value global exposure, industry specialization, or work-life balance, factors that determine the best long-term fit among the top consulting firms in New York.

Selecting the right consulting firm is a personal and strategic decision. Each firm offers a different combination of culture, project focus, and growth opportunities. The key is to match what matters most to you with what the firm actually delivers.

Key factors to consider when choosing a consulting firm:

• Industry exposure: Identify whether the firm focuses on your areas of interest, such as finance, healthcare, or technology.
• Firm culture: Assess mentorship opportunities, collaboration style, and feedback culture.
• Career development: Review promotion timelines, training programs, and mobility between offices or industries.
• Work-life balance: Compare project intensity and travel expectations across firms.
• Compensation and benefits: Understand salary, bonus structure, and perks like hybrid flexibility or education reimbursement.

Candidates interested in strategy-focused work may thrive in MBB environments, while those drawn to digital innovation or implementation might prefer firms like Accenture or Deloitte. Boutique consultancies, meanwhile, appeal to those seeking hands-on experience and smaller teams.

Before applying, speak with current or former consultants, attend networking events, and review LinkedIn insights to learn how each firm’s reality aligns with your ambitions. The right fit is rarely about prestige alone, it’s about finding the place where your skills, interests, and values align.

Future Trends Shaping Consulting Careers in New York

The top consulting firms in New York are being reshaped by trends such as artificial intelligence, sustainability consulting, digital transformation, and hybrid work. These shifts are redefining client expectations, creating demand for consultants who combine strategic thinking with technological fluency and adaptability to thrive in an evolving and highly competitive consulting landscape.

The consulting industry in New York is undergoing rapid change as technology and business priorities evolve. Firms are no longer just offering strategic advice, they are delivering integrated solutions powered by data, AI, and automation. Consultants who understand both business and technology now have a distinct edge.

Key trends driving consulting in New York:

• AI and automation: Firms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence for data analysis, scenario modeling, and predictive decision-making.
• Sustainability and ESG: Clients seek consulting support on climate strategy, renewable energy transition, and sustainable finance.
• Digital transformation: New York firms are helping clients modernize systems, enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency.
• Hybrid and flexible work models: The post-pandemic consulting model allows more remote collaboration, attracting diverse global talent.
• Cross-industry innovation: The boundaries between financial, tech, and healthcare consulting continue to blur, creating multidisciplinary projects.

As these trends accelerate, consultants must develop technical literacy alongside traditional strategy skills. Firms are increasingly prioritizing candidates who can combine data analytics, creativity, and stakeholder management.

For those entering or advancing within the top consulting firms in New York, understanding these emerging forces is essential to staying competitive and relevant in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Big 5 consulting firms?
A: The Big 5 consulting firms are McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Deloitte, and PwC. These top consulting firms in New York lead the global strategy and management consulting industry, serving clients across finance, technology, and healthcare sectors.

Q: How much do Big 4 consultants make in New York?
A: Big 4 consultants in New York, at firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 at the entry level, with total compensation rising significantly at senior levels. Salaries are among the most competitive in the New York consulting industry.

Q: What is the most prestigious consulting firm?
A: McKinsey & Company is widely regarded as the most prestigious consulting firm, known for its influence in global strategy consulting and its strong presence in New York City. BCG and Bain also rank highly among the best consulting firms in New York for top-tier projects and career opportunities. 

Q: Why do so many people quit consulting?
A: Many people quit consulting due to long hours, frequent travel, and demanding project schedules. While consulting firms in NYC offer unmatched learning and career growth, the intense pace and work-life balance challenges often drive professionals to pursue other roles in the New York business market.

Q: Is a 3.7 GPA good enough for consulting?
A: Yes, a 3.7 GPA is generally strong enough for consulting recruitment in New York, especially at management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and the Big 4. Firms value high academic performance, but leadership experience and problem-solving skills also play a key role in offers.