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Kearney Summer Associate Salary & Career Path

Official: Kearney Careers ↗

A Kearney Summer Associate earns $24,000–$35,000 in total compensation (2026) — $24,000–$29,000 base plus performance and signing bonuses. Figures are estimates from candidate-reported offers and public sources, not firm-published.

2026 DataUS (prorated)3-7 years

Base Salary

$24K–$29K

Bonus

—–$6K

Total Comp

$24K+

Promo Time

Return offer

Total Compensation
$24,000–$35,000
$24,000 - $35,000
Time to Promotion
Return offer
to Associate
Work Hours
55-75 hours
50-70% travel

What Does a Kearney Summer Associate Do?

Summer internship for MBA students between their first and second year, typically 10-12 weeks. Strong performance leads to a full-time return offer.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead specific workstreams independently
  • Develop recommendations with manager guidance
  • Present findings to senior team members
  • Build relationships with partners and clients
  • Demonstrate fit for full-time role

Kearney Summer Associate Compensation (2026)

US figures anchored to NYC, May 2026. Compensation varies significantly by office; we haven't source-verified non-US figures yet, so expect regional variation (e.g. London, Dubai, Mumbai).

ComponentLowMidHigh
Base Salary$24,000$26,000$29,000
Performance Bonus$0$3,000$6,000
Total Compensation$24,000$29,000$35,000

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Career Progression at Kearney

Business Analyst
Associate
Manager
Principal
Partner
Senior Partner
Years to Partner
10-14 years
Promotion Culture
Competitive up-or-out culture

Work-Life Balance

Hours/Week
55-75 hours
Travel
50-70%
Remote Policy
Hybrid with operations focus travel

These figures describe the Kearney consulting track generally, not the Summer Associate level specifically — hours and travel shift materially with seniority (and with office, practice, project type, and individual workload). They're estimates from candidate surveys and Glassdoor, not firm-published figures.

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 Summer Associate?
Kearney Summer Associates typically earn $24,000-$35,000 in total compensation (2026). This includes a base salary of $24,000-$29,000, plus performance bonuses of $0-$6,000.
How long does it take to get promoted from Summer Associate at Kearney?
At Kearney, Summer Associates typically spend Return offer before promotion to Associate. The typical path at Kearney is: Business Analyst → Associate → Manager → Principal → Partner → Senior Partner. Kearney's promotion environment: Competitive up-or-out culture. Firms don't publish tier-by-tier promotion rates, so treat timelines as typical, not guaranteed.
What are the best exit opportunities from Kearney Summer Associate?
Kearney Summer Associates commonly exit to Supply Chain Leadership, Operations Roles, Manufacturing. 15-35% for operations roles. Exit typically after 3-5 years. Kearney's brand and alumni network reportedly ease the move into senior roles at these destinations.
How does Kearney Summer Associate salary compare to other consulting firms?
Kearney Summer Associate compensation is competitive with other strategy firms, though it typically trails MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), with the gap narrowest at undergraduate entry. The ranges above shift with office location and individual performance, and vary by firm, year, and tenure.
What experience is required to join Kearney as a Summer Associate?
Kearney typically requires enrollment in a top MBA program. Strong candidates have demonstrated leadership, analytical ability, and industry expertise. Kearney values candidates with relevant industry experience.

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Methodology. US figures anchored to NYC, May 2026. Compensation varies significantly by office; we haven't source-verified non-US figures yet, so expect regional variation (e.g. London, Dubai, Mumbai). Numbers represent reported ranges, not guaranteed offers. Bonuses depend on individual and firm performance.

Sources. Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Management Consulted, IGotAnOffer, plus public job postings on each firm's careers site. Last verified May 2026.