What is a day rate in consulting?
The day rate is the price a consultancy charges per consultant day. In Germany, senior day rates typically range from €1,400 to €2,400, mid-level from €1,000 to €1,600 and junior from €600 to €1,000 — depending on the consultancy's brand, the industry and the type of project.
Day rates are only a meaningful basis for comparison if the seniority mix and any travel/tooling surcharges are negotiated alongside them. A consultancy at €1,800 per day with a 60 per cent senior share is often cheaper than one at €1,400 with 30 per cent senior — because senior hours are more productive.
Effective cost per senior hour is the more robust comparison figure. It follows from the day rates multiplied by the planned mix, divided by the number of senior hours.
Frequently asked
- Are day rates in Germany lower than the going market rate?
- Through consulting marketplaces using the general-contractor model, day rates match market level. The margin is settled through the consultancy's day rate, with no surcharge for the client.
Related terms
- RFPAn RFP (request for proposal) is a structured request document with which companies invite several providers to bid at the same time — typically four to six pages, with a clearly defined need, scope, pricing template and evaluation criteria.
- Consulting MarketplaceA consulting marketplace is a digital platform where companies publish consulting requirements and matching consultancies submit offers — usually with standardised day rates and pre-qualified providers.