Consultant earnings

It varies. The range of annual income for consultants varies considerably depending on the specialty, experience, whether they're independent or in a larger firm, and a host of other factors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2004 data showed average compensation for entry-level consultants at $65,066; for management consultants, $89,116; for senior consultants, $123,305; for junior partners, $191,664; and for senior partners, $319,339.

Independent consultants have hourly fees that range from less than $50 to over $400.

Like anything else, how much an independent (small business owner) consultant can make utlimately depends on how good your advice is and how hard you work.