Consultant, corporate

What does a business development consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

A business development consultant works with analyzing, developing, and streamlining organizations' processes, structures, and strategies. Tasks often include advising on management, organizational change, business development, and implementing new work methods. The consultant collaborates with management teams and key personnel to identify areas for improvement and create long-term solutions. The work is primarily office-based but may also involve regular client visits, workshops, and presentations. The pace is often high, and workdays can vary depending on the scope of the assignment and client needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for a business consultant has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,300 SEK, increasing to 55 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary continued to rise to 58 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. This development reflects the increased demand for qualified advice in management and change leadership, as well as greater competition for experienced consultants. Salary growth is also driven by more companies investing in organizational development to strengthen their competitiveness. Despite a relatively stable market for the profession, the overall trend has been upward, indicating a continued attractive salary level for experienced consultants.

Business Consultant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 58 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 92,000 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 351 SEK
• Men's average salary: 62 300 SEK
• Women's average salary: 54 600 SEK
• Women earn: 88% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a business development consultant, a higher academic degree in economics, management, or similar fields is generally required. Many employers also seek experience in leadership roles or specialist competence in organizational development. In addition to formal education, certifications, courses, and relevant practical experience are common. An analytical approach and strong communication skills are highly valued. Self-study and networking can also be very useful to stay updated on industry developments.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's in economics, engineering, or equivalent (3–5 years)
• Certifications/courses: Examples include project management, change management
• Internship/trainee: Meritorious, often through larger consulting firms
• Prerequisites: Academic degree and experience in business development
• Self-study/online: Recommended to follow trends and new working methods

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits often include occupational pension, bonus programs, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Opportunities for skills development, training support, and sometimes company cars or travel benefits are also common. Larger consulting firms may offer career coaching and access to internal networks.

Competition and challenges

The job market for business development consultants is characterized by medium competition and a relatively balanced recruitment situation. The demand for experienced consultants remains stable, but clients set high requirements for education and documented results. Challenges often include quickly understanding the client's business logic, delivering measurable improvements, and adapting to different corporate cultures. Another challenge is staying updated on new trends and tools in organizational development to remain competitive in the market.

Tips for aspiring consultants in business development

To succeed as a business development consultant, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with strong communication abilities, as the role requires both problem-solving and explaining complex relationships. A structured working method facilitates managing multiple projects simultaneously, and high flexibility is needed to handle rapidly changing client needs. Building a network within the industry provides access to new assignments and valuable collaborations, while curiosity and a desire for continuous learning help you stay relevant. Initiative and self-leadership are important qualities, especially in environments where consultants are expected to work independently. Finally, having good business sense and understanding how different organizations operate is key to creating real value for clients.

Key facts about Business Consultants

• Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree (3–5 years), often in economics or engineering
• Work environment: Office-based, often project-based with client meetings
• Work form: Consulting assignments, both permanent employment and self-employment are common
• Demand: 758 available jobs nationwide within the profession (2024)
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, unchanged forecast over five years

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years of experience as a business development consultant, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as senior consultant, project manager, or team leader. Many also choose to specialize in specific industries or areas like change management, digitalization, or strategy development. Some consultants start their own business and take on assignments as independent advisors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the outlook for management and organizational development professionals is moderate, with an expected unchanged demand over five years. In total, there are 758 available jobs in the profession, highlighting that the career is in demand but also competitive. Career development opportunities increase for those who combine specialist knowledge with experience in leading complex change projects.

Frequently asked questions about Business Consultants

• What does a Business Consultant earn?
  - The average salary is 58 400 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, employer, and sector.
• What education is required to become a business development consultant?
  - A university degree in economics, engineering, or management is most common, often supplemented with specialized courses.
• What are the gender differences in salary for a Business Consultant?
  - Men earn on average 62 300 SEK and women 54 600 SEK, which means women earn approximately 88% of men's salaries.
• What are the most common benefits for consultants?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, bonuses, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours.
• What does the future look like for the profession?
  - The forecast remains unchanged over five years, and job opportunities are considered moderate according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• Are there significant salary differences within the profession?
  - Yes, the highest salary is 92,000 SEK and the lowest is 42,600 SEK, depending on sector, gender, and education level.
• How many job openings are available in this occupational group?
  - There are 758 available jobs nationwide within management and organizational development (2024).