SOC 2431 Business, media and public service professionals

Management consultants and business analysts Salary

Median salary £51,729 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £52,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For management consultants and business analysts, £53,295 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +37% versus the national average. Experienced management consultants and business analysts (top 25%) earn over £68,392.

About this role

Management consultants and business analysts conduct systematic research, analysis and investigation within their area of expertise. They design studies, collect and analyse data, interpret findings and communicate results to inform decision-making, advance knowledge or develop new products and services.

Key responsibilities

Designing and conducting research or analytical studies
Collecting, processing and analysing data
Interpreting results and drawing evidence-based conclusions
Writing reports, papers and presenting findings
Maintaining laboratory, equipment or data systems

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in a relevant scientific or analytical discipline. Research positions often require a masters or PhD. Professional registration or chartership may be required depending on the field.

Career outlook

Demand varies by specialisation. Life sciences, data science and environmental research are growth areas. Funding availability influences academic research positions.

Key skills

Research methodology Data analysis Critical thinking Scientific writing Technical expertise

Common industries

Research institutions
Pharmaceuticals
Government
Technology
Environmental services

Data coverage

SOC code 2431

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 241,000

Median Salary

£51,729

Mean Salary

£57,594

Jobs (000s)

241k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: £28kP25: £38kMedian: £52kP75: £68kP90: £91k

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£28,359

0-2 years

Mid Level

£37,901

3-7 years

Senior

£68,392

8-15 years

Leadership

£90,835

15+ years

Potential career growth: +220% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +31.7%Real growth: -4.6%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 9.6%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£51,729

Full-time Only

£53,295

Full-time premium: +£1,566

Management consultants and business analysts salary: common questions

How much do management consultants and business analysts earn in the UK?

Management consultants and business analysts earn a median of £53,295 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £37,901 and £68,392.

Is £53,295 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for management consultants and business analysts?

Entry-level management consultants and business analysts typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £37,901, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £28,359.

How much do the highest-paid management consultants and business analysts earn?

The best-paid 10% of management consultants and business analysts earn over £90,835 a year, and the top 25% over £68,392 (ONS ASHE 2025).

Have management consultants and business analysts salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median management consultants and business analysts pay has risen from £40,993 to £53,295 — +30% in cash terms, or -6.0% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for management consultants and business analysts?

Male management consultants and business analysts earn a median £53,785 and female management consultants and business analysts £48,605 — a gap of +10% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).