Jul 24, 2026

McK comp increase

McK comp increase, will BCG/Bain do the same?

737 WSO Academy Consulting Session Reviews: 4.85/5

Royal Holloway, University of London

Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

4.85/5

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“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it. André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it. A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage. The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing. Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting. I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans. Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”

Class of '27 Apr 2026 Cohort

4.78/5

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“Ashley’s industry expertise and depth of knowledge in product strategy are immediately clear. In every session, she breaks down complex management frameworks into easily digestible insights. Her communication style is direct, clear, and empathetic. Rather than giving vague or generic career advice, she provides highly actionable takeaways—including specific templates for stakeholder communications, prioritization frameworks, and real-world examples from her own leadership background that I was able to implement directly into my team's workflow the very next day. Furthermore, her kind, patient, and approachable demeanor made it extremely comfortable to discuss tough workplace scenarios and honest skill gaps without fear of judgment.”

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15 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

2mo

Based on the most helpful WSO content, McKinsey has historically been the first to raise salaries, as seen in past trends. When McKinsey increases compensation, BCG and Bain often follow suit in subsequent years to remain competitive. However, the timing and extent of these adjustments can vary.

Sources: 2017 Management Consulted Salaries Out, Bain is now giving guaranteed FT offers to all interns, Choosing between McKinsey, Bain, and BCG?, Why MBB plus a few tier 2s (LEK) are more open-minded to advanced degree but most firms in tier 2 and 3 are not., What’s the difference between McK, Bain & BCG (serious question)

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I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Prospect in Consulting

2mo

What’s the comp increase?

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bananabean

2mo

Where did you hear about McK comp increase? Is that really happening?

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Prospect in Consulting

2mo

Yes, $120k base for new BAs

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McKinsey Case Template

bananabean

2mo

Where did you find this out?

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Prospect in Consulting

2mo

Also curious

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1 reply

Intern in Consulting

2mo

I’ve heard Bain policy is to be the highest paying MBB. Time will tell when they’ll up salaries, but it will happen eventually.

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Works at Bain & Company

2mo

Don't think that's true. I left Bain a year ago and while I was there the policy was to match McKinsey. Typically BCG leads comp increases, McKinsey matches, then Bain matches McKinsey.

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Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - 3rd+ Year AnalystCertified Consulting Pro

Analyst 1 in Consulting

2mo

Yes this is how it works. BCG leads, McK/Bain follow. All three have had same base salaries tor last few years so don’t think that is Bain’s policy. It is interesting though that McK is leading the wave this time around rather than following

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Intern in Consulting

1mo

I think that was just in the 2021/2022 pay raise cycle. I believe Bain has been paying higher base than McKinsey for ACs and Cs for the last few years. I know at least that Bain base is 112 and McKinsey and BCG base have both been 110 for a while now.

I also know that ACI offers are 120 now, which means a raise is coming soon for ACs (probably January). I'd guess this is off McKinsey raising their base to 120 as well. I haven't heard anything from BCG yet.

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2 replies

Prospect in Consulting

2mo

Where did you see this? Starting in Aug and haven't heard anything lol

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https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/resources/skills/finance/asset-turnover

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1mo

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McK comp increase

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