IT consulting, or information technology consulting, involves an external expert providing advice and solutions to a business regarding its technology infrastructure. This goes beyond simply recommending computer purchases; it encompasses a wide range of IT-related needs, from implementing new software to developing disaster recovery plans.
What is IT Consulting?
IT consultants are brought in by companies to objectively assess their current technology landscape and design strategies to help them achieve business goals. They often work collaboratively with internal IT staff, offering a fresh perspective, designing systems, recommending hardware and software investments, and identifying security risks. The scope of engagement can range from short-term projects (e.g., advising on specific equipment) to long-term strategic planning (e.g., cybersecurity defense). Ultimately, all IT consulting addresses a specific business need related to information technology.
The IT Consulting Market
As of 2022, the IT consulting market was valued at $684.6 billion, showing consistent growth. It expanded by 3.9% between 2017 and 2022, with a 1.6% growth in 2022 alone. Future growth in this industry is expected to be driven by several key technology trends:
- Internet of Things (IoT): The increasing number of connected devices (over 8 billion) will necessitate ongoing management and maintenance.
- Big Data: The growing importance of data analytics in business decisions and goal setting.
- 5G Cellular: The continued rollout and adoption of 5G technology for enhanced connectivity.
- Blockchain: While primarily associated with cryptocurrency, other industries are exploring blockchain for its security applications.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a significant area of exploration for many companies and is poised to gain even greater importance.
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR is rapidly gaining traction and is expected to dominate the niche market previously associated with virtual reality (VR).
Types of IT Consulting Services
While IT consulting covers a broad spectrum, services typically fall into these eight main categories:
- Strategy: Developing long-term plans for how IT will support business objectives.
- Architecture: Designing the blueprints and guidelines for building IT systems.
- Implementation: Overseeing the execution and deployment of IT plans.
- Systems Integration: Connecting different IT system components to ensure seamless operation.
- Data Analytics: Capturing, processing, and analyzing data to provide business insights.
- Security: Creating strategies to protect hardware, networks, and data from unauthorized access, and ensuring compliance.
- Software Management: Planning and leading software projects, including scheduling, tracking, and delivery.
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Services: Assisting with the selection and implementation of software for daily business activities like accounting or project management.
Within these broad categories, IT consultants often specialize in areas such as:
- Infrastructure Planning: Determining the necessary hardware, software, and staffing for a company’s IT.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying security threats and evaluating their potential impact.
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Designing responses to unexpected events like cyberattacks, power outages, or other disasters.
- Migration: Moving data and software between different systems.
- Network Design: Structuring and optimizing IT networks.
Pros and Cons of an IT Consulting Career
Pros:
- Financial Rewards: IT consulting can be lucrative. While entry-level consultants might earn between $48,000 and $79,000 in base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions can push total compensation to $51,000-$85,000 annually. Seasoned professionals with 15+ years of experience can earn between $80,000 and $137,000 per year. As of July 2025, the average annual pay for an IT Consultant in the U.S. is around $86,843.
- Skill Set Broadening: The diverse challenges faced in IT consulting provide ample opportunities to develop and utilize a wide range of skills beyond core IT knowledge.
Cons:
- Demanding Hours: Client needs often dictate that IT work must be done outside of regular business hours to avoid operational downtime, leading to a significant amount of overnight work.
- Delivering Bad News: Consultants sometimes have the difficult task of conveying unwelcome information to clients, such as lost data or unrealistic budget constraints, which can be stressful.