What Is Technology Consulting?

Technology benefits companies in various ways, from improving productivity to increasing revenue, so knowing what types of technology to use and how to use them matters for business success. A technology consultant can help answer these questions for many kinds of businesses, from finance companies to retailers. Explore this diverse career in more detail and get tips on how to prepare for one of the possible roles you could get with the right skills, experience, and training.

What is a technology consultant?

When companies have questions about the types of technology they should access, how to use them, and how they can improve business, many hire a technology consultant. While specific services depend on each client, general technology consulting services offered by professionals in this role include:

• Giving advice on new types of technology to acquire

• Providing cost estimates for incorporation of new technology

• Developing ways to integrate new technology and helping with integration

• Offering strategies for optimizing current technology

• Monitoring new and current technology to ensure alignment with company goals

What does a tech consultant do on a daily basis?

To better understand the role of a technology consultant, it helps to know more about a typical workday. Tasks and responsibilities you might have in this job include:

• Information technology (IT) infrastructure planning and presentation of plans

• Risk analysis for integration of new technology

• Development and setup of custom software

• Software maintenance and support

• Employee training on new software systems

• Collaboration with company stakeholders, department heads, and employees 

IT consulting vs. tech consulting vs. management consulting

Depending on their company type, goals, and structure, businesses need different types of consultants. Knowing the difference between an IT consultant, a technology consultant, and a management consultant might help you decide which career path you would like to pursue. 

An IT consultant focuses primarily on helping companies improve performance by implementing and managing information technology, whereas a technology consultant helps companies implement and manage many types of technology to improve performance, including IT, cybersecurity, AI, and more. Rather than focusing on using technology to improve company performance, a management consultant focuses on improving company performance as a whole by examining the different parts of a business, like organizational structure, human resources, and company finances. 

Technology consultant salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary earned by a technology consultant amounts to $104,131 per year [1]. This figure does not include extra pay like cash bonuses and profit sharing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in computers and information technology should grow much faster than average from 2023 to 2033 as compared to jobs in other employment sectors [2]. 

Types of technology consultants

Companies can hire a variety of different types of technology consultants depending on their needs. Some common roles include cybersecurity, IT, and software development consultants. Explore how average base salaries and requirements differ for each position. 

Cybersecurity consultant

Median annual US base salary: $140,868 [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or IT; advanced technological and security expertise needed; some employers may prefer you to have an advanced degree

IT consultant

Median annual US base salary: $92,858 [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, cybersecurity, data science, management systems, or a related field; deep knowledge of technology and data analytics needed; some jobs may require a graduate degree

Software developer consultant 

Median annual US base salary: $108,402 [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field; expertise in multiple programming languages needed; graduate degree might make you more marketable as a job candidate

What kinds of companies benefit from technology consulting?

Technology consulting can benefit companies across a variety of industries, from agriculture and energy to gaming and design. Some common types of companies that use technology consultants include:

• Accounting firms

• E-commerce companies

• Educational institutions

• Health care providers

• Law firms

• Manufacturing companies

• Real estate firms

How to become a technology consultant

Planning your career roadmap, which will include education, earning credentials, and gaining experience, can be an effective strategy when pursuing any career. If you decide to work toward a career in technology consulting, a few key steps might help you stay on course. 

Earn a college degree.

A college degree in the right subject might set you apart from other job candidates when applying for a technology consultant position. Common majors that benefit technology consultants include:

• Computer engineering

• Computer science

• Information technology (IT)

Acquire certifications.

Provided through professional associations or esteemed companies, certifications show you’ve learned valuable skills associated with specific work. Good certifications that can help you start a career in tech include: 

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+: This entry-level certification offered by CompTIA provides knowledge and skills in computer hardware and networking, operating systems and mobile devices, operational procedures, cloud computing, security, and troubleshooting.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This entry-level credential offered by Cisco provides knowledge and skills in networking equipment, configuration, and troubleshooting; security threat identification; automation; and IP services.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): This entry-level certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) can help prepare you for all kinds of tech-related projects through project management fundamentals, predictive project management strategies, Agile principles, and business analysis. 

Gain related work experience. 

To gain work experience that can help boost your career skills, consider applying for an internship at a firm specializing in technology consulting, software development, or a related field. To find an internship, consider these strategies:

• Check online job sites.

• Attend local career fairs.

• Ask fellow students or college professors.

• Inquire at your college career center.

• Reach out to your networks, both personal and professional.

You can also gain related work experience for a technology consultant position by becoming a student technology consultant at your college or university or by applying for entry-level IT positions after you graduate, like:

• Computer technician

• IT support specialist

• Systems administrator

Build your knowledge for a technology consulting career on Coursera.

A technology consultant helps companies use different types of technology to achieve goals and improve performance, and you can start down this career path today.

To begin building the knowledge and skills needed for a career in technology consulting, consider taking an online course like the Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization offered by IBM on Coursera. Through this six-course series, you’ll get an introduction to various types of computer hardware and software, operating systems, programming, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and more.