Management Consultant vs Business Development Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Management Consultant
Advise organisations on strategy, operations, and performance improvement.
Business Development Manager
Identify and pursue growth opportunities through partnerships and new markets.
Management Consultant earns more on average — the national median is $9,190/year (6%) higher than a Business Development Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Management Consultant vs Business Development Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Management Consultant | Business Development Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $214,912 | $205,359 | Management +$9,553 |
| New York, NY | $186,470 | $171,357 | Management +$15,113 |
| Seattle, WA | $217,650 | $203,990 | Management +$13,660 |
| Austin, TX | $167,101 | $154,205 | Management +$12,896 |
| Chicago, IL | $159,412 | $150,219 | Management +$9,193 |
| Boston, MA | $194,443 | $185,946 | Management +$8,497 |
| London, UK | £115,523 | £107,326 | Management +$8,197 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$198,500 | CA$193,355 | Management +$5,145 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Management Consultant or Business Development Manager earn more?+
A Management Consultant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Management Consultant is $150,984/year, compared to $141,794/year for a Business Development Manager — a difference of $9,190 (6%).
Which has better career growth — Management Consultant or Business Development Manager?+
Management Consultant roles are growing at 14% YoY while Business Development Manager demand is growing at 12% YoY. Management Consultant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Management Consultant to Business Development Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Management Consultant or Business Development Manager?+
Management Consultant has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 25%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.