AI Consulting Cost: What You Should Pay in 2026
Honest pricing guide for AI consulting. Project costs, hourly rates, value-based pricing.
Typical project ranges
- AI strategy and roadmap: $25-75k
- Custom AI workflow build: $50-200k
- Enterprise AI transformation: $250k-5M+
- Ongoing AI consulting: $5-30k/month retainer
Hourly rates
- Senior AI consultant: $300-800/hour
- Specialized AI engineer: $250-500/hour
- Strategy consultant: $400-1000/hour
Value vs hourly
Many AI consultants shifting to value-based or project-based. Hourly less common for AI work.
How to evaluate proposals
Match scope to need. Beware unrealistic timelines. Reference checks essential.
Bottom line
Match AI consulting investment to business value. Don't underspend; don't overspend.
Frequently asked questions
What does AI consulting cost?
Strategy: $25-75k. Custom build: $50-200k. Transformation: $250k-5M+. Wide range based on scope and provider.
Hourly rates?
$300-1000/hour depending on consultant seniority and specialization. Higher than standard consulting.
Project or hourly?
Increasingly project-based or value-based. Hourly less common for AI engagements. Predictability valued.
How to budget?
1-5% of revenue for strategic AI investment. Smaller budgets for specific projects. Match investment to ambition.
Red flags?
Unrealistic timelines, no references, vague proposals, missing technical depth. Diligence matters.
Related guides
Need help implementing this?
//prometheus does onsite AI consulting and implementation in Milwaukee. We set it up, train your team, and make sure it works.
let's talk