How Much Does It Cost to Hire IT Consultants in 2024?

Any successful business requires the use of cutting-edge technological solutions. However, the pace of progress in the IT industry is so rapid that it is sometimes hard to keep up with the latest trends. Technology is employed in every aspect of business: from marketing and brand promotion to external and internal business processes management. In this case, companies often seek the consulting support of niche specialists.

IT consulting enhances a company’s efficiency, supports its expansion, and boosts its income. It offers an opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial, manufacturing, commercial, or other ventures to a new competitive level. In this article, we present the idea of IT consulting and its importance for businesses. We have also compiled a detailed review of the average IT consultant salary globally.

Overview of IT Consulting

Before you discover software engineering consulting rates, we suggest you learn the IT consulting notion.

In addition to software, website, and application development, many IT companies provide a range of other services. Outsourcing, technical assistance, and IT consulting are examples of such offerings. The latter service sees a steady increase in demand year after year. According to Statista, the IT consulting industry will expand by 6.34 percent annually between 2021 and 2026, reaching 57,521.3 million dollars in 2021 and 78,208.3 million dollars in 2026. We encourage you to explore this concept further. Also, here you can check out DevOps consultant resume.

IT consulting is one of the most common types of consulting services. It is an activity aimed at supporting all possible work activities of the company through the optimization and development of its information systems. Simply put, it means consulting in the hardware and software field for effective business process management. This activity allows the company to benefit from working with customers, increase profits, streamline internal and external workflows. Therefore, it is not surprising that demand for IT consulting is closely related to business IT consultant salary formation. Companies use this method to implement business strategies through advanced technology.

What are the main functions of IT consulting?

• audit of the company’s IT infrastructure;
• analysis of the company’s technical and functional needs;
• development of information technology systems;
• hardware and software creation and implementation;
• identification and resolution of technical issues;
• increasing the company’s productivity;
• improving the company’s manageability and transparency;
• boosting the efficiency of communication within the company;
• full or partial automation of the company’s business operations;
• ensuring corporate data protection;
• enhancing staff control.

IT companies provide a wide range of consulting services. And all these functions contribute to improving the quality of business and upgrading its IT infrastructure in line with current trends.

IT consulting may be performed at several levels, depending on the needs of the company.

Examples of consultants’ involvement:

• Involvement of independent IT consultants. Typically, companies seek the assistance of such experts when they want an independent objective judgment, such as to evaluate the causes of declining profitability or advice on how to run and expand a business.
• Involvement of IT consulting companies. In essence, this is when a business signs a contract with a consulting firm to hire its workers. Managers of a consulting company study the demands of the business and then recommend an expert with the necessary abilities.
• Involvement of IT companies with a wide range of specialists in various fields of information and computer technology. It is about a long-term collaboration between an IT company and your business. First, specialists assess the present status of the business before developing a strategy for its growth. Following the implementation of the essential information systems, the IT firm continues to monitor the state of your organization.

Why Do Businesses Need IT Consulting?

The need for IT consulting can arise both in newly established small businesses and in entire corporations. The reasons for hiring experienced consultants may vary.

If the business is only in its early stages before launch, the assistance of a consulting company will be beneficial. Thus, it will be possible to set up all information technology processes right away at the beginning of business growth. The advantage of this approach is the ability to quickly consider the company’s demands and design a strategy for its effective development.

IT consulting services are also required when a company decides to take its operations to the next level. In such a case, recommendations for improving the company’s existing procedures, and support in expanding, will be necessary. For example, e-commerce businesses seeking to upgrade from Magento 1 to Magento 2 need to engage Magento consultants to ensure a smooth migration.

Small and medium-sized businesses often require automating business processes. When a company expands, the volume of work increases exponentially, entailing the usage of business process automation. Consulting firms can contribute to its establishment.

IT consulting services may also assist in the organization of a company’s overall management framework. It is possible to implement even if the employees work remotely. You may pick the most cost-effective option with the help of consultants.

When comprehensive intellectual assistance for specific business tasks is essential, companies frequently seek consulting services. IT specialists will help with the project’s opportunities analysis, platform selection, and maintenance.

Companies who want to update their software without spending loads of money also need IT consulting. And, of course, such services will come in handy when businesses need to ensure data protection. The IT team handles either antivirus selection and more complex aspects, such as hacker attack prevention.

What Impacts Software Engineer Consulting Rates?

For an IT consultant, having strong programming abilities alone is insufficient. Individuals in this field typically are experts who hold extensive knowledge in both development and business management. Therefore, it is not surprising that the salary of a WordPress, DevOps, MarTech engineer or Node.js consultant will be many times higher than a regular developer’s income.

How much do software consultants make? Many variables can influence the software development consulting rates. The size and industry of the company, its location, the complexity and scope of tasks, and the level of the consultant’s skills and experience are all factors to consider. We’ll go through the aspects that affect software developer consultant rates in further detail:

Company size

The cost of a consultant may differ depending on the size of the consulting company. Let’s divide them into the main sizes:

1. Enterprise-level or large companies. These are large organizations that provide information technology services and have an immense staff specializing in various fields. Such companies usually work with big enterprises that can cope with a high software consultant hourly rate.
2. Medium-size companies. It is the best option for medium and small businesses. Such IT consulting firms typically have up to 100 developers on board, which helps them successfully solve complex tasks, although software engineer consultant rates are relatively modest.
3. Small companies. These are consulting firms with no more than ten employees. Software development consulting rates are the lowest in this case, and such organizations generally work with startups and small local businesses.

Company industry

Usually, consulting companies concentrate on one, or a few niche sectors, thus providing quality specialized services. Depending on the industry, the software development consulting rates will also vary. Health care, education, finance, logistics, and retail are among the most prominent fields.

Location

Speaking of the location factor, it is clear that software consulting rates will vary from country to country and even from city to city. For example, according to Zippia, the average IT consultant cost in California is $86,715, while in Mississippi, it will be about $59,565.

IT consultants’ qualification level and experience

IT consultant salary is directly proportional to their level of expertise. Individuals frequently become consultants after more than ten years of experience in technology. After all, a new employee is unlikely to produce the same high-quality results as, say, a qualified IT audit consultant.

The project’s scope and complexity

The harder it is to put your business ideas into practice, the more effort the developers put. Here everything is simple: the more sophisticated and extensive the project, the greater the software developer consultant cost.

Expected technology stack

There are currently countless technological solutions for businesses. The term technology stack implies the programming languages, frameworks, CMS, and other software development means. In addition to development specialists, there are also project management, marketing, cybersecurity consultants, and Salesforce implementation consultants. Thus, Salesforce IT consultant salary, IT security consultant salary, and cyber security consultant cost can vary considerably.

The project’s characteristics and functionality

This point directly relates to the previous one. The final cost of the consultant’s services will depend on what technologies you plan to use and what business process optimization solutions you want to implement.

Project implementation period

Many IT consulting companies offer the services of their employees on an hourly basis. If you hire a consultant, it is worth determining how many working hours you are willing to pay and how much time you’ll spend putting your ideas into action. In essence, the cost of implementing information technology that takes more than ten months will be higher than the cost of implementing initiatives that take less time.

How Much Does a Consultant Cost Based on Location?

As mentioned earlier, the geographical location of an IT consulting firm affects the cost of its services. We suggest analyzing the data to understand the average hourly rates by region. This report was assembled using statistics from sources like PayScale, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.

IT Consultants Rates in North and South America

The area of North America is well-known for its advanced economic growth. When it comes to the information technology industry, it holds a dominant position in the market. According to Statista, North America will account for 35% of the global information technology sector in 2024.

In the IT industry, the United States and Canada are the two leading countries in the area.

Without a doubt, the United States is the world’s absolute tech leader. Speaking of IT consultant salaries in the US, it varies from state to state. But if you take the US as a whole, the average hourly wage is about $41. And in the cradle of technological progress – San Francisco, the average hourly wage reaches $46, with a minimum hourly rate of $43 for juniors and a maximum senior IT consultant salary of $123.

Canada is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with a stable economy, vast natural resources, and highly qualified professionals. The technological industry in Canada keeps up with the changes, significantly contributes to the country’s economy, and provides high-paying employment and a basis for growth. The average IT consultant salary in Canada is around $31. We can’t help but highlight Toronto, a city with a strong software development reputation. The IT consultant salary per hour in this city ranges from $16 up to $81.

South American countries have also jumped into the race for a piece of the global technological pie. The closeness to North America enables cooperation in various fields, which contributes to the development of the countries of the Southern region. Despite the substantial social inequality and economic volatility, this area offers a broad pool of talents of tech professionals.

Argentina, which has one of the largest economies in South America, is worth highlighting in this perspective. Since the average IT technical consultant and cyber security consultant salaries are around $4.4 per hour, this country is becoming increasingly desirable for offshore collaboration.

Brazil is South America’s biggest country and home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural treasures. Its economic progress, however, falls behind that of developed countries. Yet, with an average hourly wage of $8.5 for IT and IT audit consultant salary, the booming IT industry provides for outsourcing.

IT Consultants Wages in Western Europe

The countries of Western Europe are famous for their rich history, but no less high standard of living. Western Europe’s economies are currently regarded as the most wealthy in the world. We provide you with information on the condition of the technology industry in several countries.

Germany is one of the most popular countries in the European IT field. It concentrates a quarter of the entire European tech market. The average hourly wage for IT consulting professionals is about $50.

Switzerland is known worldwide for its high quality of life. According to the standard of living, salaries in this country are also decent. If we talk about IT consultants’ average hourly wage, it reaches an incredible $116.

The United Kingdom is another country worth mentioning. Here, the information technology sector is developing rapidly. And the largest IT centers include cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester. The average cost of an IT consultant in the UK is around $71.

Software Development Consultants Rates in Eastern Europe

The economies of the majority of Eastern European nations are rapidly developing. However, the financial stability of the countries has worsened as a result of the pandemic outbreak. But, this is not the case in the IT industry, where there is a continual state of progress. As a result, Eastern Europe is a favorable outsourcing destination.

Poland is known for having many talented IT experts who help the country’s economy thrive. In Poland, the average hourly salary for IT consultants is around $22.

Ukraine has long established itself as an excellent outsourcing hub. A large pool of IT specialists and attractive salary levels draw the attention of IT companies from around the world. The average salary of IT consultants in Ukraine is about $37* per hour.

*Ukrainian salaries are provided based on Mobilunity’s Recruitment Team research on the local job markets. All salaries are net and do not include the service fee (in the case of hiring on a dedicated team model). The salaries are provided for comparison purposes and could not be entirely accurate. Contact us to know the exact cost of hiring a developer corresponding to the required parameters.

Software Engineering Consultants Rates in Australia and New Zealand

These two nations are renowned for their abundant natural resources and unique cultures. Both are famous for their thriving economies, which are impacted by the IT industry as well. The average IT consultant salary Australia is about $26. And in New Zealand, the level of payment for IT consultants is higher. The average hourly cost, according to PayScale, is around $45.

Technical Consultants Rates in Asia

Despite that most Asian countries are recognized for their advanced economies, yet there are still those that lag behind. We’re discussing them today since they provide excellent prospects for outsourcing IT processes.

The Philippines is a country known for its fast-growing IT sector. The technology market is making big profits, although the average salary of an IT consultant is only $5 per hour.

The IT sector in Vietnam is characterized by rapid expansion and the availability of qualified specialists. Software consultants earn an average hourly wage of $9.

In India, the field of development and information technology occupies a large share of the economy. This country has become a hub for outsourcing corporate procedures and transferring responsibilities for technical products creation. The average IT consultant salary in India is approximately $7.

Also, in the Asian countries context, we want to mention the IT consultant salary in Singapore, which is about $22. Let us conclude our review of salaries in various areas by stating the IT consultant salary South Africa, which also reaches $22.

Overview of Consultant Salaries by Specialization

As we mentioned earlier, there are different types of consultants, according to their area of expertise. We offer you to get acquainted with the main consulting specialties and their salaries in the countries listed: the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.

Project Management Consultant Cost

Switzerland has the highest-paying project manager сonsultant position, with an average hourly income of almost $54. In countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, they pay between $33 to $41 per hour. The salary rates in the Netherlands and Ukraine are $30 and $35* dollars, respectively.

CTO Consultant Cost

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland are the top three countries in CTO (Chief technology officer) consultant compensation. There, these specialists receive from $109 to $122  per hour on average. The Netherlands and Ukraine have similar hourly rates: from $50* to $55. In Germany, such a professional earns about $82 per hour.

Magento Consultant Cost

In the US, the Magento consultant’s hourly cost starts at $51 and reaches $58. In Germany and the United Kingdom, such specialists receive an average of $27–$36 per hour. In Ukraine, a Magento consultant can receive up to $56*.

IT Database Consultant Cost

Typically, database consultants earn $65 per hour on average. In the United States, such specialists receive up to $56, in Ukraine – $55*, and Switzerland – $41.

WordPress Consultant Cost

The highest salary rate for WordPress consultants is in Switzerland, where the hourly rate is $39. In the US, UK, and Germany, these professionals earn between $23 and $31.7 per hour. In Ukraine, a WordPress specialist’s hourly rate reaches $35*.

UI-UX Consultant Cost

This specialist can earn from $42 to $44 per hour in countries like Switzerland and the United States. In other countries, the average hourly wage for UI-UX consultants is $40* in Ukraine, $29 in Germany, and $27 in the UK. The lowest hourly pay is $23 in the Netherlands.

Software Testing Consultant Cost

Switzerland is again the leader in compensation, as a software testing consultant receives an average of $56 per hour. Such specialists receive the lowest pay in the UK and Germany: $11.5 and $17, respectively. In the United States, these experts earn an average of $46; in Ukraine – $27*, and $26 in the Netherlands.

Software Architect Consultant Cost

The US and Switzerland pay software architect consultants an average of $68 per hour. Germany – $47, In Ukraine, the hourly rate is slightly lower, reaching $45*.

JavaScript Consultant Cost

In Germany, such specialists earn an average of $19 per hour. The hourly rate in the United States and Ukraine is slightly higher: from $30 to $37*. JavaScript consultants in Switzerland receive the highest salary – $48.

SEO Consultant Cost

The most decent compensation for these experts is offered in Ukraine and Switzerland ($36* and $39, respectively). In Germany and the Netherlands, SEOs receive about the same hourly rate of $30. In the US and the UK, such specialists earn $34 and $16, respectively.

*Ukrainian salaries are provided based on Mobilunity’s Recruitment Team research on the local job markets. All salaries are net and do not include the service fee (in the case of hiring on a dedicated team model). The salaries are provided for comparison purposes and could not be entirely accurate. Contact us to know the exact cost of hiring a developer corresponding to the required parameters.

IT consulting rates in different countries

The conditions of modern life allow hiring IT consultants from any country, but there can be some pitfalls, namely the IT consultant hourly rate, which directly depends on the country in which he is located. Each country has its own tax percentages, cost of living, and minimum wage, which can make world market prices differ. This is an important recruitment factor, because if IT consulting rates per hour are analyzed incorrectly in 2024, the company may incur significant financial losses. In addition, it is necessary to approach the question of selecting workers seriously and proactively analyze the labor market around the world. 

There are some factors that affect the hourly rate for IT consultants in every country. First of all, it is the difficulty of the demand for their work in the labor market – the higher the demand for specialists who work in a particular area of programming, the higher will be the cost of their work. In addition to this fact the hourly rate for IT consultants is also  formed by the decision of the employee themself. Depending on the minimum wage and the cost of living in the country, an employee can choose completely different pay for themselves. Equally important is the level of the specialist, because an hour of work of a senior specialist will cost much more than a junior one. Of course, even within the same country the cost can vary significantly, but in general, modern conditions allow you to make an average financial picture, which will clearly determine where and which specialist to choose.

To get the high results, the software consultant company needs highly qualified professionals, but not every company can afford to hire a senior or even a middle. This applies to both large corporations and small firms that are just beginning to develop and are looking for a team of IT specialists. The software consultant rates may be really high, making it necessary to hire fewer people than necessary. This not only slows the process of production down, but it also reduces the quality of the final product and leads the company to serious losses. That is why it is necessary to look for alternatives in the form of hiring workers from other countries, where the fees per hour are more affordable and financially attractive. This is particularly crucial for companies that are currently forming a team to develop a project. Nonetheless, such financial setbacks can be serious even for large corporations and industries.

Comparison of IT consulting hourly rate in different countries

If the financial situation allows the company, it can choose a specialist from any country, but at the same time, an important factor is the prudent disposition of funds. When hiring workers from the UK or the USA, a company must be prepared that the costs will be quite high. First of all, each country has its own tax, which forms the cost of the hourly work of a specialist. By shifting the focus to European countries such as Germany or Netherlands, the company can save some money, but can still incur financial expenses. Therefore, the most sensible solution would be to analyze the consultant fees per hour labor, not only in the United States and EU countries, but also in other countries around the world. This will create a more accurate and realistic picture of the state of salaries, as well as allow better forecasting of financial investments to obtain the product.

So according to this table the average IT consultant hourly rate is $50-$70. Based on the above rating, it is clear that hiring IT consultants in USA or the UK is the most profitable from a financial point of view. At the same time, the most financially attractive is Ukraine, because regardless of the level of the IT consultant, the company will not receive significant losses. IT consultant rate from Ukraine allows hiring highly qualified specialists, as software consultant rate of seniors is the most affordable and cost-effective. In addition, the labor market in Ukraine is rich with experienced professionals who are willing to do the job at a high level.
For example, while choosing an employee from Germany the company can afford a junior, in Ukraine for the same money you can hire a senior, which will increase the quality of the result, as well as the speed of the task. IT consulting fees remain affordable and will allow the company to save money. Thus, instead of one experienced specialist, the company can hire a whole team of professionals who will qualitatively perform the work. First of all, this is due to the income tax for self-employed professionals in Ukraine is 5%-18%, while in Germany it is 18%-45%. By hiring a specialist from Ukraine, you save your money, and the IT consultant gets a decent payment for his hourly work.

Find out more about:

• How to find a custom software development company Sydney.

Implement Any Business Solution with the Mobilunity Team

We are a Ukrainian outstaffing company with more than 11 years of experience. During this time, we have helped to create dedicated development teams that help businesses grow. More than 40 companies worldwide are among our clients, including the Japanese online payment solution Paidy, the Israeli company XPLG, and the Canadian FinTech company FinExpert. 

Our experts have accumulated experience in the IT consultant sphere through many years of work. We can provide quality technology consulting services by combining our expertise, deep knowledge, and current automation technologies to improve our customer’s business operations. Clients may access a large talent pool in Ukraine for approximately 60% cheaper than in Western markets owing to Mobilunity’s personnel outstaffing solutions.

If you are looking for qualified IT consultants at affordable costs, contact Mobilunity!

Written by:

Anastasia Stefanuk

Market Researcher

Disclaimer: All salaries and prices mentioned within the article are approximate NET numbers based on the research done by our in-house Recruitment Team. Please use these numbers as a guide for comparison purposes only and feel free to use the contact form to inquire on the specific cost of the talent according to your vacancy requirements and chosen model of engagement.