What Is a Project Consultant?

When companies are facing complex challenges or need help bringing big ideas to life, in many cases, they turn to project consultants. These strategic professionals are brought in to guide teams, optimize operations and ensure that critical initiatives stay on track.

As organizations across industries seek flexible thinkers who can deliver results, the demand for this type of professional is on the rise.

Let’s explore what a project consultant does, where they work, what skills and education they need and how you can prepare for this dynamic and rewarding career.

What Does a Project Consultant Do?

A project consultant is a professional who offers strategic advice and support to organizations working on specific projects. Unlike full-time team members, they are often brought in externally to provide a fresh perspective, bring specialized expertise or help navigate complex challenges. Think of them as the go-to experts who ensure projects stay aligned with business goals while running smoothly from start to finish.

A project consultant typically handles the following:

Assessing project goals and objectives to ensure alignment with organizational priorities
Developing project timelines and budgets that keep everyone on track and within scope
Identifying risks early and creating mitigation strategies to reduce impact
Managing stakeholder communication so everyone is in the loop and expectations are clear
Reviewing deliverables to ensure they meet agreed-upon quality standards

These pros often work cross-functionally, collaborating with project managers, department heads and even C-suite leaders to drive results.

And while they might seem similar, there’s a key difference between consultants and project managers: Consultants typically offer guidance and support from the outside, whereas project managers are internal leaders who execute the day-to-day details.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities

No two days are exactly the same for a project consultant, but most follow a rhythm that combines research, collaboration and strategic planning. Their goal is to keep projects on course and help clients succeed, without getting bogged down in the weeds.

Some of their common daily tasks include:

Conducting needs assessments and background research to understand client challenges
Facilitating meetings and workshops to align teams and define goals
Creating or reviewing project documentation, such as scopes of work, schedules or reports
Monitoring project progress and tweaking timelines, budgets or deliverables as needed

To stay organized and efficient, project consultants rely on tools like:

Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello or Microsoft Project)
Data analytics and reporting tools to track metrics and present insights

Their work style is dynamic — a mix of independent analysis, client-facing discussions and team collaboration that keeps every project moving forward.

Work Environments and Hiring Industries

Project consultants can be found in a variety of professional settings. Many work for consulting firms that serve clients across industries, while others are hired directly by corporations in either contract or full-time roles. With the rise of digital collaboration tools, remote work opportunities in this field have expanded, allowing consultants to support projects from virtually anywhere.

Because of their versatile skill set, a project consultant is in demand across many sectors.

Health care organizations hire them to streamline operations and improve patient care delivery. In the tech world, consultants help implement complex systems or guide product development in businesses. Financial institutions rely on them for regulatory compliance and efficiency improvements. Manufacturing companies bring in consultants to optimize supply chains, and both education and nonprofit organizations seek their expertise for program development and strategic planning.

Education and Experience Requirements

There are a variety of different types of education and experience that are required to succeed, including the following:

Typical Education

A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, project management or a related field is typically required.
A focus on organizational development, learning, communication and operations is essential to understand the broader business landscape.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in managing or supporting complex projects are highly sought after. Familiarity with working on cross-functional teams is a significant advantage, as a project consultant often collaborates with various departments and stakeholders to meet project goals.

Certification

Certification is optional, but it may benefit prospective project consultants. Certifications that these professionals can pursue include:

Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification is widely recognized and demonstrates proficiency in project management methodologies.
Six Sigma: This program focuses on process improvement and reducing inefficiencies.
Agile/Scrum: These certifications are particularly useful for consultants working in fast-paced, iterative environments.

Salary and Job Growth Outlook

The salary range for project consultants varies based on experience, industry and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), project consultants earned a median annual salary of $100,750 as of 2024. Specialized skills and industries, such as health care or technology, can command higher pay and salaries in high-cost living areas tend to be at the top end of the spectrum.

In terms of job growth, the demand for project consultants is expected to rise by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. This demand is due to businesses seeking efficient, strategic guidance. Industries like health care, technology and operations-heavy sectors are particularly strong in hiring.

Get Prepared for a Career as a Project Consultant

App State Online’s Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning is tailored to appeal to the needs of working adults and those looking to pivot in their careers.

The degree program equips students with essential skills in business, leadership and management foundations; effective communication and teamwork; project management; professional learning and development; entrepreneurial thinking; and more — all key for realizing success in project consulting. Additionally, through flexible online learning, students can balance education with professional schedules, ensuring they’re prepared for roles in consulting, project coordination and leadership.

If you’re ready to launch or grow your career as a project consultant, then explore how this degree can set you on the path to success. Learn more today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in organizational leadership with App State Online.

Recommended Readings:

What Does a Project Engineer Do?

Five Tips for Effective Career Management

The Role of a Business Development Representative

Sources:

Betterteam, “Project Consultant Job Description”

Indeed, “How To Become a Project Consultant (Plus Tips and FAQs)”

Kanban Zone, “Six Sigma and Agile: Can They Work Together?”

MBO Partners, “7 Popular Industries for Consultant Jobs”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists