How Much Does HR Consulting Actually Cost?

Hourly, project, and retainer pricing explained. What drives the cost, what you get at each level, and how to evaluate whether the investment makes sense for your stage.

Most founders have no idea what professional HR support costs until they are mid-negotiation with a consultant. Pricing in this industry ranges from $75 to $400 per hour and retainers from $500 to $20,000 per month, with enormous variation in what you actually get. Here is a plain-English breakdown.