How much does a business consultant cost in the US?
The VouchQuote team ·
This guide is for United States. Also available for:United KingdomIndia
Small business consultants in the United States usually charge between $100 and $350 an hour. A business plan costs $1,500 to $10,000, and a monthly retainer for ongoing advice runs from $2,000.
Typical price ranges in the US
- Business plan: $1,500 to $10,000
- Hourly advice: $100 to $350 an hour
- Monthly retainer: $2,000 to $10,000
- Market research project: $2,000 to $15,000
Figures are typical ranges in US dollars for independent freelancers and small agencies in the United States, before any sales tax. They are our own estimates, not quotes.
What pushes the price up
Experience, the depth of research and financial projections, and whether the plan is for a lender, investors or your own use.
What to know for the US
Lenders offering SBA-backed loans expect a plan with financial projections. Before paying, check the free help available from SCORE mentors and Small Business Development Centers, which many owners use alongside a paid consultant.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask for a fixed fee tied to a clear result, such as a finished business plan or a pricing review, and compare what each consultant will deliver. On VouchQuote every quote follows the same structure and at most three professionals reply, so you can compare them side by side. Quotes on VouchQuote are shown in US dollars.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What will I have in my hands at the end?
- Have you worked with businesses of my size?
- Is this a fixed fee or billed by the hour?
- Can I speak to a past client?
Quick answers
How much does a business plan cost?
Usually $1,500 to $10,000. Plans for an SBA loan or for investors sit toward the top.
Is a consultant worth it for a small business?
When the question is specific, such as pricing, hiring or a loan application. Agree on the result and the fee before work starts.
Hourly or project fee?
Project fees are easier to budget. Hourly suits occasional advice.
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Prices are typical ranges in United States, in US dollars, for independent freelancers and small agencies, before sales tax. How we work out price ranges.