The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns over artificial intelligence, compensation transparency, and the long-term retention of senior consulting talent.

The Barton Partnership’s 2026 North America Partner Compensation Report draws on insights from 146 consulting partners across the United States and Canada, representing strategy consulting, including MBB, Big 4, large multi-disciplinary, and boutique firms. Conducted during mid-2026, the research examines how partner compensation, ownership, career intentions, and market sentiment are evolving across the North American consulting market. READ MORE