L.E.K. Consulting Associate Salary & Career Path
2025 DataUS0-2 years
Total Compensation
$124,000
$103,000 - $146,000
Time to Promotion
2-3 years
to Associate
Work Hours
55-75 hours
40-60% travel
What Does a LEK Associate Do?
Entry-level position for undergraduates joining directly from university. Business Analysts form the foundation of case teams, conducting research, building models, and supporting senior consultants.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct primary and secondary research
- Build financial models and analyses
- Create client presentations and deliverables
- Support hypothesis development and testing
- Synthesize findings into actionable insights
LEK 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 | $85,000 | $95,000 | $105,000 |
| Signing Bonus | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Performance Bonus | $8,000 | $14,000 | $21,000 |
| Total Compensation | $103,000 | $124,000 | $146,000 |
Career Progression at LEK
Associate
Consultant
Manager
Principal
Partner
Senior Partner
Years to Partner
10-14 years
Promotion Rate
60-70% promoted to next level
Work-Life Balance
Hours/Week
55-75 hours
Travel
40-60%
Remote Policy
Flexible hybrid, less travel
Exit Opportunities
Strong PE/HC exit track. 20-40% for PE/HC roles.
Private EquityLife SciencesHealthcareCorporate StrategyDue Diligence Roles
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total compensation for a LEK Associate?
LEK Associates typically earn $103,000-$146,000 in total compensation (2025). This includes a base salary of $85,000-$105,000, plus performance bonuses of $8,000-$21,000, and a signing bonus of $10,000-$20,000 for new hires. Note that compensation varies by office location and individual performance.
How long does it take to get promoted from Associate at LEK?
At LEK, Associates typically spend 2-3 years before promotion to Associate. The typical path at LEK is: Associate → Consultant → Manager → Principal → Partner → Senior Partner. Approximately 60-70% 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 LEK Associate?
LEK Associates have excellent exit opportunities. Common paths include Private Equity, Life Sciences, Healthcare. 20-40% for PE/HC roles. Strong PE/HC exit track. LEK's brand recognition and network make it easier to transition to senior roles in these industries.
How does LEK Associate salary compare to other consulting firms?
LEK 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 qualifications do I need to become a Associate at LEK?
LEK Associate candidates typically need a bachelor's degree from a top university with strong academic performance (typically 3.5+ GPA), prior internship experience or work experience. Key skills include structured problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and communication. The interview process includes case interviews and behavioral questions.
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.