Navigation trail

• Home page
• Types of jobs
• Information technology
• IT consultant: Salary and conditions

IT consultant: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £23,000 - £32,000 (salary data collected March 08).
• Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £50,000 - £100,000 (salary data collected March 08). Experienced consultants' salaries depend on the demand for their specific expertise and may be linked to distinct changes in role.
• Salary is dependent on location, size and type of employer and is usually performance-related.
• Although the hours worked are generally described as nine to five, the nature of the industry means that extra hours are often required to meet deadlines. Also, IT consultants spend lots of time travelling to clients' sites, mirroring clients' working hours.
• The job is mostly office-based, working as a member of a project team. IT consultants are often based on the clients' premises.
• Part-time work is unlikely, but career breaks are possible as work is project-based. Self-employed work is possible, managing your own workload and hours. Many IT professionals are independent contractors, but it is best to gain some experience and contacts in the industry by working for an employer before going down this route.
• There are more men than women working in the industry. However, opportunities for women to enter employment in the IT sector have never been greater. Many IT consultancies encourage women to apply for their vacancies, encouraging workplace diversity. Various groups exist to support women in IT and technology, such as BCS Women and Equalitec .
• Jobs are available in many large towns and cities in the UK, with client sites located throughout the UK, but most employers are based in London and the South East.
• The dress code is formal for visiting clients and meetings, but is otherwise relaxed. The work may be stressful and fast-paced, particularly when clients' deadlines need to be met. The work involves lots of travelling and you may have to spend most of your time at clients' sites, staying in a hotel, which may be disruptive for your personal life.
• Travel within the working day and absence from home at night is frequently required. Overseas travel is occasionally necessary.

AGCAS

Written by Myrto Kalle, London School of Economics and Political Science

Last updated:

April 2008

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer