Kearney Associate Salary & Career Path
2025 DataUS3-7 years
Total Compensation
$228,000
$195,000 - $267,000
Time to Promotion
2-3 years
to Engagement Manager
Work Hours
55-75 hours
50-70% travel
What Does a Kearney Associate Do?
Post-MBA entry point. Associates lead workstreams, manage junior team members, and have significant client interaction. They drive analysis and develop recommendations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead workstreams and mentor analysts
- Develop strategic recommendations
- Manage client relationships at working level
- Present to mid-level client stakeholders
- Drive day-to-day project execution
Kearney Associate Compensation (2025)
All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary by office location, individual performance, and market conditions.
| Component | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $150,000 | $165,000 | $180,000 |
| Signing Bonus | $20,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Performance Bonus | $25,000 | $38,000 | $52,000 |
| Total Compensation | $195,000 | $228,000 | $267,000 |
Career Progression at Kearney
Business Analyst
Associate
Manager
Principal
Partner
Senior Partner
Years to Partner
10-14 years
Promotion Rate
65-70% promoted to next level
Work-Life Balance
Hours/Week
55-75 hours
Travel
50-70%
Remote Policy
Hybrid with operations focus travel
Exit Opportunities
Exit typically after 3-5 years. 15-35% for operations roles.
Supply Chain LeadershipOperations RolesManufacturingCPGRetail
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total compensation for a Kearney Associate?
Kearney Associates typically earn $195,000-$267,000 in total compensation (2025). This includes a base salary of $150,000-$180,000, plus performance bonuses of $25,000-$52,000, and a signing bonus of $20,000-$35,000 for new hires. Note that compensation varies by office location and individual performance.
How long does it take to get promoted from Associate at Kearney?
At Kearney, Associates typically spend 2-3 years before promotion to Engagement Manager. The typical path at Kearney is: Business Analyst → Associate → Manager → Principal → Partner → Senior Partner. Approximately 65-70% promoted to next level advance to the next level. Performance reviews occur annually, with promotions typically happening at set cycles.
What are the best exit opportunities from Kearney Associate?
Kearney Associates have excellent exit opportunities. Common paths include Supply Chain Leadership, Operations Roles, Manufacturing. 15-35% for operations roles. Exit typically after 3-5 years. Kearney's brand recognition and network make it easier to transition to senior roles in these industries.
How does Kearney Associate salary compare to other consulting firms?
Kearney Associate compensation is competitive with other strategy consulting firms. MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) typically pay 10-20% more than Big 4 strategy arms and boutique firms at the same level. However, work-life balance, culture, and exit opportunities may vary. Consider total package beyond just salary.
What experience is required to join Kearney as a Associate?
Kearney typically requires an MBA from a top business school plus 3-5 years of pre-MBA work experience. Strong candidates have demonstrated leadership, analytical ability, and industry expertise. Kearney values candidates with relevant industry experience.
Related Career Paths
Disclaimer: Salary and compensation data are estimates based on publicly available information including Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and industry reports. Actual compensation may vary significantly based on office location, individual performance, market conditions, and negotiation. This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as guaranteed compensation.