For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.

Finance • Updated 2025-01-01

Freelance Financial Consultant Rates in Boston

Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.

Entry Level

$100

/hour

Mid-Range

$200

/hour

Expert Level

$400

/hour

high demand 10% YoY growth +33% vs national avg

Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)

Entry

$208,000

Mid

$416,000

Expert

$832,000

Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)

Rates by Experience Level

Entry Level 0-3 years: $100-125/hr
Mid-Level 4-7 years: $125-200/hr
Senior 8-12 years: $200-300/hr
Expert/Principal 13+ years: $300-400/hr

Core Skills

  • Financial modeling
  • Valuation analysis
  • Due diligence
  • Strategic planning
  • Financial reporting
  • Risk management
  • Excel/PowerPoint mastery

Premium Skills (+20-50%)

  • M&A advisory
  • Private equity experience
  • Biotech/healthcare valuation
  • Restructuring
  • CFO-level strategy

Top Industries

Biotech/Life Sciences Healthcare Private Equity Asset Management Higher Education

Typical Clients

Private equity firms Venture capital Biotech companies Financial services firms Universities and hospitals

Rate Setting Tips

These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.

  • Boston's biotech/healthcare sector pays premium for specialized finance
  • PE/VC clients expect Big 4 or IB experience
  • M&A support during deals commands rush premiums
  • Reference Big 4 and boutique rates as benchmarks
  • Build relationships with PE firms for repeat work

Common Pricing Mistakes

  • Underpricing due diligence work under tight deadlines
  • Not charging for scope creep during deals
  • Accepting work outside your expertise area
  • Over-committing during deal flow periods

Negotiation Tips

  • Emphasize relevant industry experience (biotech, healthcare)
  • Reference Big 4 and boutique consulting rates
  • Offer project-based pricing for defined deliverables
  • Build in rush fee clauses for deal-driven work

Frequently Asked Questions

What do freelance financial consultants charge in Boston?

Freelance financial consultants in Boston charge $100-400/hr. Mid-level consultants average $200/hr, with M&A and PE specialists earning $300-400/hr.

Is Boston a top market for financial consulting?

Yes, Boston is a major hub for biotech, healthcare, and asset management. The concentration of PE/VC firms and life sciences companies creates strong demand.

What finance experience commands highest rates in Boston?

M&A advisory, biotech valuation, and private equity due diligence command the highest rates. Big 4 or investment banking backgrounds are highly valued.

How do I find PE/VC clients in Boston?

Network at industry events (MassBio, Boston VC community), leverage LinkedIn, and build relationships with law firms and accounting firms that refer deal work.

Should I offer fractional CFO services?

Fractional CFO roles ($10-25k/month) are popular with Boston startups and biotech companies. They provide steady income between deal-based projects.

Methodology

Rates compiled from job postings, industry surveys, and consulting rate benchmarks. Boston's financial services concentration supports premium rates.

Data Sources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
  • Robert Half Finance Salary Guide 2025
  • CFO.com Compensation Survey 2024
  • Boston Business Journal

Important Disclaimer

These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.

Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.

This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.

Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.

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