MBA Consulting Salary: What You Really Earn After Graduation

When you hear MBA consulting salary, the average pay for business graduates working in management consulting firms. Also known as post-MBA compensation in consulting, it's one of the most talked-about outcomes of earning an MBA—but also one of the most misunderstood. Most people think it’s all about six-figure starting salaries at McKinsey or BCG. The truth? It’s a lot more layered. Your pay depends on where you graduated, which city you work in, the size of the firm, and even your prior work experience. A top-tier MBA from IIM Ahmedabad landing a role at McKinsey’s Mumbai office will earn very differently than someone from a regional college joining a mid-sized consulting firm in Hyderabad.

Consulting firms don’t just pay you for your degree—they pay for your ability to solve real business problems fast. That’s why firms like Deloitte, KPMG, and EY often offer lower base pay than McKinsey or Bain, but make up for it with bonuses, travel perks, and faster promotions. In 2025, fresh MBA hires in top-tier firms in Delhi or Bangalore can expect between ₹18 lakh and ₹28 lakh per year, including bonuses. Mid-tier firms offer ₹12 lakh to ₹18 lakh. But here’s what no one tells you: the real money comes after 3–5 years. Consultants who make partner or move into corporate strategy roles often double or triple that initial salary.

Location matters just as much as the brand on your resume. A consultant in Mumbai or Gurgaon earns more than one in Pune or Jaipur, even at the same firm. International postings—like in Singapore or Dubai—come with higher pay and tax advantages. And don’t forget the hidden benefits: free meals, flight upgrades, and sometimes even housing allowances. These aren’t just perks—they’re part of your total compensation.

What you studied in your MBA matters less than what you did outside the classroom. Firms care about internships, case competition wins, and leadership roles. If you led a student consulting project that helped a local startup grow revenue by 40%, you’re already speaking their language. The best MBA graduates aren’t the ones with the highest grades—they’re the ones who can walk into a room, ask the right questions, and make sense of messy data fast.

There’s a big difference between what’s advertised and what’s real. Some websites list average salaries without filtering out outliers. One superstar hire pulling in ₹50 lakh skews the whole number. The real median? It’s lower. And if you’re coming from a non-business background—say, engineering or medicine—you might start at a lower rung, but you’ll often climb faster because firms value your technical edge.

Below, you’ll find real data from recent MBA graduates, breakdowns by firm and city, and what to expect if you’re aiming for consulting after your degree. No guesswork. No hype. Just what you need to know before you sign that offer letter.