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McKinsey Salary 2025: clear pay ranges for the US and Europe

Why this guide

If you are researching McKinsey salary, you care about more than base pay. You want the full picture of total compensation, how it changes by level, and what differs between the US and Europe. This guide keeps it tight and practical with typical 2025 ranges candidates see most often. Numbers vary by office and performance; treat them as directional.

How McKinsey compensation works

Base salary is set by level and office.
Bonus depends on performance banding and firm results.
One time items include signing, relocation, and occasional allowances.
Benefits matter: healthcare, retirement, PTO, and in some regions MBA sponsorship.
Partners receive a smaller base and a large profit share, so total compensation can swing widely year to year.

Salary by level in the United States

LevelTypical baseTypical bonusCommon one timeUsual total comp
Business Analyst~$112,000up to ~$18,000signing up to ~$5,000, relocation up to ~$10,000~$150,000 to $170,000
Associate~$192,000up to ~$40,000signing up to ~$30,000, relocation as needed~$230,000 to $270,000
Engagement Manager~$220,000 to $240,000~$80,000 to $140,000occasional relocation~$270,000 to $335,000
Associate Partner / Associate Principal~$275,000 to $350,000~$150,000 to $250,000~$425,000 to $600,000+
Partner and Senior Partnerbase often near ~$275,000profit share drives the majority~$1,000,000+ in strong years

Notes: Bonus figures reflect target to high performance. Only a small share hits the maximum.

Salary in Europe at a glance

Pay is lower on a currency basis in Europe, and take home varies with cost of living and taxes. Benefits are often stronger.

CountryBA baseAssociate baseEM total compNotes
United Kingdom~£49,500~£90,000 to £97,000varies by bandLondon pays more than most EU capitals
Germany~€60,000 to €70,000~€95,000 to €110,000~€160,000 to €186,000Munich and Berlin vary
France~€56,000 to €66,000~€85,000 to €100,000typically above €150,000Paris is the reference point
Spain~€37,000 to €46,000 total~€87,000 to €103,000 totallower than France or GermanyMadrid data shown

US vs Europe in one minute

Are US salaries higher? Yes, both base and bonus are usually higher in the US.
Why? Talent competition with finance and tech, plus different tax and benefits systems.
How to compare Model total compensation and then look at after tax income, housing, healthcare, and vacation.

What actually moves your total compensation

Performance banding. Higher bands lift bonuses more than most candidates expect.
Office economics. Some practices have stronger utilization and margins, nudging bonus outcomes.
One time cash. Signing and relocation matter at entry levels, then fade.
Benefits. Retirement contributions, healthcare premiums, and PTO change value by thousands a year.
Partner profit share. At partner, total compensation is mostly variable. Base is a small slice.

Business Analyst salary and progression

Business Analyst salary in the US centers near $112,000 base with a bonus up to about $18,000. Top performers are often sponsored for an MBA. Sponsorship is selective and includes a return obligation. After the MBA or with equivalent experience, most candidates enter at Associate.

Career path and pay step ups

The classic ladder is Business Analyst to Associate to Engagement Manager to Associate Partner to Partner. The largest jumps in total compensation usually happen at the transitions to Associate and to Engagement Manager. From there, upside is driven by performance, client leadership, and for partners the size and health of the portfolio.

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Bottom line

McKinsey compensation in 2025 is stable at entry levels and remains top tier. The US leads on pay. Europe offers strong roles with different tax and lifestyle tradeoffs. Evaluate the total compensation, not just base, and factor in benefits and after tax income before you decide on an office.

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