2025 survey highlights a sharp rise in the use of Python—a powerful programming language—along with younger consultants entering the market and shifting regional rates
IEEE-USA has released the results of its 2025 Consultants Fee Survey of engineering and technology consultants This annual survey provides critical data on compensation, in-demand skills, regional trends, and demographic shifts, helping consultants and organizations navigate the evolving demands of the consulting industry.
IEEE-USA has been surveying the compensation of IEEE’s U.S. members since 1972. The 2025 report profiles self-employed consultants—their education, experience, business practices, median earnings, and hourly fees—helping them set competitive hourly rates and understand the nuances of the market.
The report highlights several significant findings:
- Surge in Software Expertise: Python consulting jumps nearly 18%
Python—a versatile programming language used for data analysis, machine learning, web development, and automation—has become a critical skill for engineering consultants. Usage among consultants soared from 9.3% in 2024 to 26.8% in 2025, signaling a major shift toward software-driven solutions in the industry. - Broader Industry View: Inclusion of “partial consultants” for the first time
This year’s survey expands its scope to include professionals who consult part-time, offering a more comprehensive picture of the consulting landscape. - Demographic Shift: Younger professionals entering the field
The mean age of consultants dropped from 63.8 to 58, reflecting an influx of younger talent—often bringing digital skills that align with rising demand for Python and other tech expertise. - Regional Dynamics: Mountain region leads in median rates
The Mountain region has overtaken the Pacific region as the highest-paying area for consultants, highlighting evolving economic and geographic trends. - Business Realities: Repeat clients remain vital
Repeat business accounts for 61% of full fee-based consultants’ revenue, underscoring the importance of strong client relationships. - Rate Variation & Education Premium
Nearly half of consultants (49.3%) maintain consistent rates, while 16.5% report variations of $150 or more. Consultants with Ph.D.s earn an average of $50 per hour more than those without, reinforcing the value of advanced education.
“One of the most striking findings this year is the rising demand for consultants who are well-versed in Python programming,” noted Mohammed Billoo, Chair of the IEEE-USA Consultants Committee. “This dramatic increase underscores the growing importance of software expertise in the engineering and technology sectors, highlighting a key area for consultants to develop and market their skills to remain competitive.”
Interested parties can gain access to the full report, which includes detailed compensation data and trend analysis, by purchasing it at https://ieeeusa.org/product/ieee-usa-consultants-fee-survey-report-2025-edition/. The report is available for IEEE members at $29.95 and for non-members at $49.95. This comprehensive resource is designed to help consultants set competitive hourly rates and understand the latest industry trends.
About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of nearly 160,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.
Contact:
Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328 | l.laird@ieee.org
John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359 | j.yaglenski@ieee.org
