M&A Consulting market - London v.s. U.S

All,

I'm studying for the GMAT at the moment and once I finish I'm looking to go to London or U.S (Irvine, CA/ New York/ Dallas/ Chicago are my options). I would take a couple of months off between roles to further prepare for the GMAT.

My line of work: M&A consulting in a Big 4, with a specialised focus (think 'specialised subject matter' Due Diligence, integrations, separations, synergy, operating model type work)

In terms of legal status: My home country is Australia. I have an Irish passport, so travel options across UK (for now) and Europe are easier than my options for the U.S, as my firm isn't sponsoring for vacancies they're trying to fill. I am, however, trying to get my family green card through my sibling - a U.S citizen.

In terms of the market appetite, Big 4 work culture and consulting salary I know the following: US - Salary: minimum $150k USD for my level - Travel expectations: frequent/ all the time - living expenses: lower than London, but higher than current arrangements - culture: fairly tough / little work-life balance from anecdotal information

London - I know nothing about

Anyone care to provide some insight into the markets within this field?

9 Comments
 

For London:

Salary - Depends on your level (which you haven't disclosed) but Big 4 salaries are found on the WSO database (e.g. PwC Senior Associate M&A is £52K). Travel Expectations - Not sure but I would suspect less frequent then MBBs (although someone is more than welcome to correct me) because London is the central hub and other satellite offices might travel more Living Expenses - higher than the US cities mentioned except NYC. Culture - Nice with a decent work/life balance. Better than the US

 
Most Helpful

I've spoken with 3 of the Big 4 re: M&A consulting and this is what we have generally discussed and they are generally standard across each other:

  • Manager salary is ~$130-140k but total comp could be $150k+ (note that this doesn't get you shit in NYC and doesn't go far anywhere else but Dallas)
  • I can tell you for a fact that Irvine would not be an option and all would require you to be based out of their LA offices; I am currently based in SD so this is something which was specifically discussed; NYC or CHI would be an option and I did not inquire about Dallas
  • Your travel expectations are correct
  • Culture, I didn't ask about their M&A groups specifically but was previously at a B4 and it was whatever as long as you are a highly motivated individual
 

Et sit id est cumque quasi explicabo inventore. Sit odit iusto ab rem reiciendis repellendus. Exercitationem aspernatur iusto sint perferendis aut. Est ducimus ipsum rerum illum ab doloribus perspiciatis.

Unde quae nemo aut corrupti sequi. Voluptas omnis aliquam suscipit dicta omnis odit. Nam et sunt sed optio debitis sed. Aut labore sapiente distinctio quo.

Amet et illum suscipit sed odio non. Ut est consequatur dolor dolor maxime. Quo aut et optio aliquam. Corrupti sed ab praesentium libero eveniet.

Quasi dolorem perspiciatis repudiandae ea. Unde aut tempore sint totam recusandae eveniet. At culpa voluptas est nisi qui nihil voluptas. Maxime a distinctio eius quia et eum vitae. Ut dolor excepturi nulla consequatur suscipit illum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • McKinsey & Company 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey & Company 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.9%
  • McKinsey & Company 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (59) $274
  • Vice President (53) $245
  • Engagement Manager (114) $233
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (186) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $137
  • Senior Consultant (356) $131
  • Consultant (643) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (578) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (395) $105
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1172) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (209) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (643) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”