NAICS Code for Consulting
There is no single NAICS code for “consulting.” The correct NAICS code depends on the primary consulting service provided (management, HR, marketing, environmental, engineering, IT/technology, financial, education, etc.). Many consulting firms fall in NAICS 5416 (Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services), especially 541611, 541612, 541613, 541614, 541618, and 541690.
Use the “closest match” approach: pick the code whose description best matches the consulting service that represents the largest share of revenue/work.
How to choose the correct NAICS code for a consulting business
Decision rule: choose the NAICS code that best describes the consulting firm’s primary service.
- Step 1: Write a one-line description of what you deliver (e.g., “HR policy and benefits consulting”).
- Step 2: Identify the dominant service line (largest share of revenue; if unknown, use hours/headcount as a proxy).
- Step 3: Select the most specific NAICS code that matches that service line.
- Step 4: If you provide multiple types, document the “why” for the chosen primary code.
Most common NAICS codes for consulting companies
Management / business consulting (NAICS 54161)
Advisory services on management, strategy, operations, HR, marketing, logistics, and general business performance.
- 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- 541612 – Human Resources Consulting Services
- 541613 – Marketing Consulting Services
- 541614 – Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
- 541618 – Other Management Consulting Services
If none of the specialized 54161 categories fit, many firms default to 541618.
Scientific, technical, and environmental consulting
Advisory services on technical topics, engineering, environmental compliance, and specialized expertise.
View expanded list of common consulting-related NAICS codes
| Consulting type | NAICS code | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| General management / business consulting | 541611, 541618 | Strategy, operations, administration, general management advisory |
| HR consulting | 541612 | HR policies, benefits, compensation systems, wage/salary administration |
| Marketing consulting | 541613 | Marketing strategy, pricing, forecasting, product planning |
| Logistics / distribution consulting | 541614 | Supply chain, physical distribution, process/logistics improvements |
| Environmental consulting | 541620 | Environmental risk, contamination control, hazardous materials advisory |
| Scientific/technical consulting (non-environmental) | 541690 | Technical advisory services that don’t fit a more specific consulting code |
| Public relations | 541820 | PR strategy/management; comms advisory delivered as an agency service |
| Financial investment advice | 523930 | Investment advice and financial advisory services |
| Executive search | 561312 | Recruiting advisory and placement/search services |
| Education consulting/support | 611710 | Non-instructional services supporting educational systems/processes |
Note: Some items people call “consulting” are better classified as the primary service industry (e.g., software development, systems design, legal services).
Technology & IT consulting (common NAICS choices)
There is no single NAICS code called “IT consulting.”
The correct code depends on what the firm primarily delivers:
- Systems design / systems integration: 541512
- Custom programming / software development: 541511
- Other computer-related services (incl. certain cybersecurity services): 541519
- General scientific/technical consulting (when not better classified elsewhere): 541690
Choose the code that matches the dominant service line (advisory vs build/implementation vs managed services).
Industry-specific consulting examples (fast mapping)
Healthcare / medical / pharma consulting
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for consulting?
There is no single NAICS for “consulting.” Many consulting firms fall under NAICS 5416, especially 541611, 541612, 541613, 541618, and 541690. - What code should I use if I do several types of consulting?
Choose the code that matches the primary service line (largest share of revenue/work) and keep the selection consistent. - Is “IT consulting” a NAICS code?
No. Common options include 541512, 541511, 541519, or 541690, depending on what the firm primarily delivers. - What is the “general” consulting code?
Many general business/management consultants use 541618 when a more specific 54161 code does not apply.
Next steps
Start by identifying the consulting service you deliver most often, then confirm the best match by reviewing the detailed descriptions on the linked NAICS pages. If you’re primarily providing management/business advice, start with 541611 and 541618.
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