Editorial standards

Contents

1. Published prices only
2. Calculations shown
3. Fair to every provider
4. AI-assisted research
5. Corrections

Published prices only

Every price links to the page that published it and the date we read it. If a firm does not publish a price, we say "not published" rather than estimate one.

Calculations shown

Where we derive a figure, such as a median rate or a loaded labour cost, the inputs and the method are stated on the page or on the methodology page. Worked examples label their assumptions as assumptions.

Fair to every provider

Each provider is described by what it publishes, what it leaves out and who it suits. No provider pays for inclusion or position, and there are no affiliate commissions.

AI-assisted research

AI tools help with research and drafting. Every figure is checked against its source before publication.

Corrections

Report an error through the contact page. Confirmed corrections are made promptly and noted in the page's change log.

Further reading

• Guide · Hourly ratesAI consultant hourly rates in 2026, from 256 published rate linesWe analysed every AI and machine-learning labour rate on federal GSA schedules and set it beside directory, marketplace and wage data. The middle of the US market sits between $149 and $241 an hour.
• Guide · Projects and retainersAI consulting project and retainer pricing in 2026Hourly rates describe labour; projects and retainers are how AI work is actually bought. The published prices for each stage, what they include and the running cost that follows.
• Guide · ROIThe ROI of AI consulting, worked out with federal wage dataA return is hours removed times the true cost of an hour, set against the first-year price including running costs. Three worked examples with federal wage data, and the inputs to measure yourself.