Management consultant

What does a Management Consultant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A management consultant works to help organizations develop and optimize their operations. Tasks can include analyzing business processes, developing strategies, change management, project management, and advising on organizational structure. Assignments vary across industries and may involve internal efficiency, digitalization, or internationalization. Work is often project-based, with close collaboration with leadership teams and key personnel at the client. The work environment is generally office-based, but travel to client companies and periods of high workload are common.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary development for management consultants has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,300 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 55 500 SEK, representing an increase of just over 2.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary rose further to 58 400 SEK, an increase of approximately 5.2%. This trend reflects a continued strong demand for qualified advice in organizational development and strategy, especially as more companies seek expertise in digital transformation and change management. The market for qualified consultants has thus driven up salaries, particularly for those with specialized experience or sought-after industry knowledge.

Management Consultant Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 58 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,600 SEK/month (women), 46,400 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 92,000 SEK/month (women), 79,500 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage (average): 351 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 54 600 SEK (88% of men's 62 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary variations is unavailable

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming a management consultant typically involves a university or college degree, often in economics, engineering, industrial economics, or similar analytical fields. Many employers also value experience from internships or trainee programs, as well as supplementary training in project management or change management. The ability to quickly understand new businesses and industries is crucial, making both formal education and practical experience highly valued in recruitment.

• Formal degree: Business administration, engineering, or other academic qualifications (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Project management certifications (e.g., PMP), Lean/Six Sigma, change management
• Internship/trainee: Strongly recommended within larger consulting firms
• Prerequisites: Analytical skills, good communication skills, often high grades
• Self-study/Online courses: Courses in business analysis, data analysis, or industry-specific knowledge

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for management consultants include occupational pension, wellness allowance, bonus programs, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. For those working at larger consulting firms, additional benefits such as training allowances, mobile phones, computers, and international assignments may be included. In some cases, profit sharing or stock options are offered to senior consultants.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for the most attractive consulting assignments is significant, especially among larger firms and in metropolitan areas. The demand for continuous skills development is high, as the market evolves rapidly with new technologies and methods being introduced regularly. A challenge is managing high client expectations while dealing with intense workloads and frequent travel. The role also requires good stress management and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new organizations. Work-life balance can be strained during major project deliveries.

Tips for Aspiring Management Consultants

To succeed as a management consultant, it is beneficial to combine analytical sharpness with strong social skills. A concrete tip is to gain experience early through internships or part-time jobs in the business sector, providing insight into corporate culture and processes. Communication skills are crucial – practice conveying complex information clearly, both in writing and verbally. Curiosity and the ability to learn quickly are valuable traits, especially as assignments span different industries. A structured work approach helps manage multiple projects, and developing self-leadership skills early is wise. Finally, building a network is important, as many opportunities and career paths are created through industry contacts.

Key Facts about Management Consultants

• Educational level: University degree (economics, engineering, or similar)
• Work environment: Office-based with travel elements
• Work mode: Project-based, often in teams and close to clients
• Demand: Moderate, with 758 available jobs nationally
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 88% of men's salaries

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a management consultant, several career paths open up, such as senior consultant, project manager, team leader, or specialist advisor within a particular industry. Some choose to start their own consulting firm or move into senior roles in industry, such as business developer or operations manager. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the management and organizational development field, job prospects are considered moderate nationwide, with an expected unchanged demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is balanced, meaning competition is neither particularly fierce nor weak. For those seeking further development, there are good opportunities to specialize further in areas like digitalization, sustainability, or change management.

Frequently Asked Questions about Management Consulting

• What is the average salary of a Management Consultant?
  - The average salary for a management consultant is 58 400 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in Management Consultant salaries?
  - Women earn an average of 54 600 SEK, which corresponds to 88% of men's 62 300 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Management Consultant?
  - Typically, a university degree such as a business administration or engineering degree, along with internship or trainee experience, is required.
• What are the future prospects for Management Consultants?
  - The forecast indicates moderate demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for Management Consultants?
  - The highest salary is 92,000 SEK (female, municipal sector), and the lowest is 42,600 SEK (female, government sector).
• What are the most common benefits for Management Consultants?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, bonus, wellness allowance, and remote work options.
• How many job openings are available for Management Consultants?
  - There are 758 available jobs in the management and organizational development field.