As more professionals explore opportunities to consult within the Epic ecosystem, choosing the right consulting firm has become more critical than ever. The firm you align yourself with doesn’t just determine your paycheck—it shapes your access to opportunities, the support you receive, your long-term career trajectory, and even your day-to-day satisfaction.
That’s why it’s essential to ask the right questions before making a commitment.
Understanding Your Pay: How Much Are You Really Taking Home?
The first—and arguably most important—question you should ask is: What percentage of the bill rate will I actually take home? Without this information, it’s impossible to know whether you’re being compensated fairly. Transparency around this number reveals a lot about a firm’s values.
If a firm is evasive or consistently dodges this question, it should raise a red flag. A lack of transparency can signal a conflict of interest—the firm may be incentivized to charge clients as much as possible while paying you, the consultant (and their employee), as little as they can.
It’s also worth asking about the firm’s average consultant rates. This helps you benchmark whether their pay is competitive within the industry. While client budgets can vary depending on the project or institution, without clear information from the firm, you’re left without the context needed to know if you’re being paid fairly—or taken advantage of.
Benefits: What Are You Getting in Exchange for Their Cut?
A firm’s margin—often ranging from 22% to over 40% of the bill rate—should be justified by meaningful benefits. Ask about the availability and quality of health, dental, and vision insurance. Are there retirement plans, such as a 401(k) with employer matching? Be mindful of contribution limits and vesting schedules as well. Does the firm offer bonuses, profit-sharing, or professional development stipends?
Additional value may come from access to collaboration tools, internal support systems, team events, wellness programs, tech allowances, or even smaller perks such as branded merchandise and recognition programs. These offerings speak volumes about how much a firm truly invests in its consultants.
Culture & Identity: Who Will You Be Representing?
When you join a firm, you also adopt its reputation. Ask what types of consultants they typically represent and how they are screened. A rigorous vetting process is often a sign of a firm committed to professionalism and high standards.
Understanding a firm’s culture is equally important. Is it built on collaboration, mentorship, and growth—or is it more transactional in nature? How has the organization evolved over time, and what are its core values today? What truly sets them apart?
Project Opportunities: What Does the Future Look Like?
A firm’s ability to consistently place consultants on meaningful projects is key. Do they have deep, longstanding relationships with clients? Is there a healthy pipeline of upcoming work?
Another helpful question is about average bench time—the unpaid period between assignments. Prolonged gaps can limit your overall income and contribute to uncertainty.
Also explore how the firm retains its consultants. Are they transparent and supportive, or do they rely on restrictive contracts and non-compete clauses to prevent people from leaving? And if you’re thinking long-term, ask whether there are pathways into leadership, mentorship, or strategic roles down the road.
Expectations Beyond Billable Hours
Consulting is already demanding—but it’s important to know if the firm expects you to contribute beyond your billable hours. If extra time is required, is that effort acknowledged, supported, or compensated? Clarifying this upfront can help you avoid burnout or misaligned expectations.
W2 Considerations: Salaried vs. Hourly
Some firms may offer salaried W2 consulting roles, but these arrangements often come with trade-offs. Salaried positions tend to offer less flexibility and may result in lower total compensation over time. If this model is offered, be sure to fully understand what you’re gaining—and what you might be giving up.
At the end of the day, consultants are the backbone of the firms they represent. You deserve to work with a company that treats you accordingly—with fairness, respect, and transparency. Don’t shy away from asking difficult questions. Know your worth, understand the terms, and choose a firm that’s committed to supporting your career—not just staffing a contract.
At Honeydew Consulting, we strive to be different. We’re built on strong consultant support, attracting better talent by providing more, and a belief that investing in our people drives success for everyone. Even if you ultimately choose another path, we want you to thrive—and we hope to help raise the standard for firms across the industry.
Know your worth. Choose wisely.