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Job outlook for consultants in the United States
Consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected consultant job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for consultants are projected over the next decade.
Consultant salaries have increased 8% for consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 610,454 consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 171,733 active consultant job openings in the US.
The average consultant salary is $78,912.
Are consultant jobs in demand?
Consultant job and salary trends over time
Consultant jobs over time
Consultant job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 610,454 | 0.18% |
| 2020 | 549,403 | 0.16% |
| 2019 | 490,584 | 0.15% |
| 2018 | 565,869 | 0.17% |
| 2017 | 545,809 | 0.17% |
Average consultant salary over time
Consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,912 | $37.94 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $76,752 | $36.90 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $75,266 | $36.19 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $74,222 | $35.68 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $73,214 | $35.20 | +0.0% |
Consultant jobs by state
Most common states for consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 1,222 | 176% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 302 | 48% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,212 | 47% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 481 | 45% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 577 | 43% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,214 | 40% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 417 | 40% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,165 | 38% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,328 | 37% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,308 | 34% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 3,056 | 34% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,821 | 33% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,338 | 32% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 606 | 32% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 307 | 32% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 238 | 32% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 539 | 31% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 3,031 | 30% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,811 | 30% |
| 20 | California | 39,536,653 | 11,424 | 29% |
Most common cities for consultants
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 80 | 203% | $91,913 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 37 | 133% | $66,481 |
| 3 | Lansing | 108 | 93% | $76,413 |
| 4 | Hartford | 33 | 27% | $85,643 |
| 5 | Tallahassee | 36 | 19% | $67,319 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 84 | 18% | $74,741 |
| 7 | Saint Paul | 47 | 16% | $78,056 |
| 8 | Baton Rouge | 35 | 15% | $72,426 |
| 9 | Boston | 89 | 13% | $91,356 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 42 | 8% | $87,997 |
| 11 | Washington | 47 | 7% | $95,478 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 44 | 5% | $68,008 |
| 13 | Denver | 31 | 4% | $82,248 |
| 14 | Chicago | 76 | 3% | $80,773 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 56 | 3% | $73,745 |
| 16 | Dallas | 31 | 2% | $78,443 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 39 | 1% | $82,295 |
| 18 | New York | 35 | 0% | $87,547 |
Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of consultant experts
UMass Lowell
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of Washington
University of Southern Maine
Western Kentucky University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
University of California, Santa Cruz
Ottawa University at Overland Park
SUNY College at Old Westbury
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Coastal Carolina University
Drexel University
Molloy College
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Remember that your first job does not define your career. You may build a career around that first job or you may use it as a valuable learning experience to change careers at some point. Eventually, what we call our careers are only really seen in hindsight. They are part of a narrative we construct about ourselves. So, don't worry to much about whether you are on the 'right path'. The right path is the one you chose at the time given the constraints and alternatives before you. But make the most of every opportunity you can to learn more about yourself - what you like, what you don't like, and what you find fulfilling about your work.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Obviously we are seeing a tremendous increase in AI and other digital technologies. These will become a more crucial skill set for many careers going forward. But I wouldn't downplay the role of what are traditionally seen as soft skills like empathy, communications, and judgment. Not only can these distinguish you from robots but from your human competitors as well.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Reshad Osmani PhD: As a new graduate starting your career, I recommend staying curious, being open to learning from others, seeking feedback, building networks, and being proactive in tackling challenges. Keep developing your analytical skills, stay adaptable, and remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Learning by doing should be your number one priority.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Reshad Osmani PhD: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career, consider the following strategies: negotiate your starting salary based on market research, demonstrate your value through accomplishments, seek out opportunities for advancement and growth, continuously improve your skills, consider additional certifications or degrees, and be willing to explore job opportunities that offer competitive compensation packages.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Reshad Osmani PhD: In the next 3-5 years, skills like data analysis, digital literacy, adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are likely to become even more important across various fields due to the increasing influence of technology, automation, and remote work trends. Additionally, skills related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability may also gain prominence.
Renee Robinson Ph.D.
Professor of CommunicationWhat general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: How can you maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field?
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: What skills do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: That would be awesome! We were hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): Skills that will become more important in the future are understanding quality measures. Six Sigma Lean principles are very applicable to what we do and help to keep a balanced workflow. A second thing is to understand that you and your coworkers are human. Find resilience tools that help you to keep a calm focus and practice good communication. Stay connected to national organizations for articles and training to stay connected to the future.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): To maximize your salary potential, obtain some experience while you are in school. If there is a clinic to volunteer at or a student job in a lab, take it. Higher pay is almost always offered to the evening and night shift technicians. If your new workplace is on 8-hour nights or evenings, create a schedule where evenings and nights do 10s or 12s and suggest it to the leadership. This makes a much better work-life balance.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): As a new graduate, remember why you decided on this career. Was it because you liked to help people? Then remember your results are improving the quality of life for another person. Is it because you like detective work? Then view each sample as a puzzle to work through. Is it because you want to further your education? Then never stop learning.
Penny Ridenour
Dean of School of Health SciencesOklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Penny Ridenour: Maximize earnings by being flexible to fit the employer's needs. Accept assignments that promote growth in your desired specialization.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marilyn Krogh: Know yourself—take time to identify and name your own strengths, interests and priorities in your work life. Take advantage of the services from your university career development center.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Krogh: Have a strong undergraduate portfolio, do an internship before graduation, and be willing to 'go an extra mile' for your employer.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mollie Sweet Ph.D., CPA, CMA, SHRM-SCP: Accounting is an in-demand career with impressive salaries and job growth to match. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of accountants and auditors will grow 6% by 2031. Accounting job postings have experienced substantial growth as well.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Melissa Zimdars: To remember that you're going to learn a lot on the job and that failure is part of the learning process. It's okay to ask questions and to not know things, but you must be willing to take feedback, adjust, and grow.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Melissa Zimdars: - The ability to communicate effectively is an evergreen skill that only seems to be getting more important as the number of ways we communicate with each other, our supervisors, and with clients or outside stakeholders keeps expanding. - The ability to adapt to and learn how to navigate new technologies and platforms.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Melissa Zimdars: Recognize that your first career opportunity won't be your last. If the job you land after college does not have opportunities for growth or advancement, it's imperative that you keep an eye out for them elsewhere as you continue to gain experience in your field.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Victor Menaldo: Learn, learn and learn some more. Adopt a growth mindset where you never stop learning. Gain economic literacy and financial literacy and historical literacy and statistical literacy. This will allow you to complement AI: ask it good questions, contextualize and evaluate its answers, and ask good follow up questions.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Victor Menaldo: Develop oral communication skills that allow you to speak in an articulate manner and organize your thoughts to signal your competence, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen believes that the skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years are...
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen suggests that to maximize salary potential when starting a career in the field, individuals should...
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Timothy Rich PhD: Social science research skills, including research design and quantitative analysis, have broad applications (e.g. local government, think tanks, campaigns, non-profits, business) and students need to be comfortable with data. Writing skills aren't being replaced by ChatGPT, and students need to learn how to write for different audiences and not just for the typical final paper. That means being able to explain complex events or data and synthesize information to someone who has little knowledge about the topic. Students tend to distrust group projects, but learning to work in groups is also a transferable skill and an important one even if working remotely.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Timothy Rich PhD: In social science fields, many of the highest paid jobs straight out are government related or data analysis related. Without developing research, writing, and in some cases foreign language skills, this will be a limitation. Depending on the desired job, a graduate degree may be required and students should be maximizing their exposure to graduate-style experiences as undergrads to not only get into prestigious law schools, master's programs, etc., but to take advantage of the internship and research opportunities that first year entrants are rarely equipped to handle.
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.
ProfessorJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Being able to negotiate a salary is also a skill that students need to learn and one that is rarely taught in college. Students need to be able to ask for more than they are offered, but also take jobs at entry levels, prove themselves and then ask for an increase in pay six months into the job after they have shown that they are doing the work and achieving their goals.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Analysis and critical thinking, writing and making strong arguments are indispensable job market skills. Concepts such as 'ethnicity,' 'gender' and 'minority' are constructed in social and historical spaces and times, and students with college degrees can help de-naturalize these categories to make others understand how policy, programming and marketing might not be achieving their stated goals.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: My advice to anyone graduating in any field is to think about the skills they have acquired in college and to represent them well on their resume. If students have been trained in quantitative or qualitative research methods, they should be able to talk cogently about the types of analysis they can do for businesses, policymakers and the like. They should also be open to any field when they are first starting out. Today, businesses are interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and because many of these programs are not perfect, well-trained students in Ethnic, Gender And Minority Studies--as well as related fields like Cultural Anthropology-- are well positioned to take entry level jobs and critically analyze programs and implement them in justice-oriented ways.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: Look for a unionized job, preferably in a large institution where there is room for job growth. For students trained in linguistics, there are also often opportunities to work in tech, so this might be something to explore.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: I would advise graduates to be open to considering jobs in lots of different fields. The skills acquired through their major- such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing- are ones that transfer well to a variety of situations.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: The most important skills in my view are flexibility in thinking- the ability to apply knowledge to new situations- and the so-called "soft skills", being able to work with people face-to-face. This is a skill that has somewhat been lost with the advent of Zoom and rise of AI technologies but it is very important in building human connection.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Russ McCullough PhD: Business Economics is a degree that can open many doors for careers. You can feel confident applying to positions that are open to many business degrees because economics gives you a quantitative edge over many other degrees. Therefore, I recommend that you create a vision of the type of job you see yourself at in 10 years and apply to positions now that help you build the skill set to get there. For example, if you are a good communicator, look for some more sales oriented positions. If you are more of a number cruncher, then look for more analyst oriented positions. Smaller companies will likely have more cross-training experiences available while large corporations will likely focus your skills in on a particular area.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Russ McCullough PhD: Critical thinking about data and telling a good story will be valuable skills in the near future as AI continues to evolve. The more you can bring innovative solutions to your company, the more valuable you will become. Chat GPT and other AI solutions will allow you to assemble information quickly, but you will need to fill in the important details that make it unique to a company.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Russ McCullough PhD: When starting your career, it is important to stay in the minds of your bosses. Attend special events the company is hosting, and practice your relationship skills. Do some research on small talk, hand-shakes, and being comfortable in settings outside of your direct workspace. This is definitely a skill so that you do not come off "weird", make sure to practice it in low-cost settings like church and Walmart. You will then be more comfortable in the parking lot, elevator, or other common space when you have that chance meeting with your boss.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Patrick O'Brien: Currently, the demand for accountants is higher than the supply of accounting majors coming out of college. As a result, this is allowing students and other accounting professionals their pick of the type of firm, company, industry, etc. for which they would want to work. Additionally, the salaries in the profession are increasing because the talent pool is smaller than the number of jobs available.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Patrick O'Brien: There are a variety of fields in the accounting profession. Most accounting majors in college usually end up in public accounting working in either audit or tax. An audit professional will usually work for a public accounting firm, such as PwC or Deloitte, and will be assigned to various clients to perform audits of their client’s financial information. This could include tasks like reviewing the financial statements of the client he or she is working for, meeting with the client to discuss information and documentation needs, validating various transactions the company has recorded to ensure they are in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), etc. A tax professional working at a public accounting firm will usually be working with his or her client to prepare income tax returns for the corporation, partnership, etc., as well as determining tax withholdings and liabilities. Some large public accounting firms will even work with high net worth individuals to assist them with their taxes given the complexity. Medium-sized and smaller accounting firms would work with individuals to have their taxes done and filed annually. There are other fields of accounting, such as forensic accounting, which becomes necessary when there is potential financial fraud occurring within a business. Additionally, there are always needs for accountants within the government on the local, state, and federal levels. These accountants would be responsible for providing financial information to the taxpayers and the general public. There are also accountants that work within companies and other organizations that are responsible for gathering, recording, analyzing, and summarizing financial data both inside and outside of the organization.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Dr. Paige Novak P.E. (Minnesota), BCEE: Ask questions, stay curious and open minded, take opportunities to learn and develop new skills.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Paige Novak P.E. (Minnesota), BCEE: The so-called 'soft skills' have already become more important and will continue to be important for successfully interacting with clients, the public, and other stakeholders. A familiarity and comfort with AI is also likely to be more and more important in the field.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Paige Novak P.E. (Minnesota), BCEE: Get experience on a lot of different projects, say 'yes' to learning and development opportunities, and take the PE when you are able.
Mark Chandler
Director of Government Relations and Professor of PracticeCoastal Carolina University
Intelligence, Command Control And Information Operations
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Mark Chandler: Solid analytic and communication skills will never go out of style – it’s our bread and butter in intelligence. Regardless of where you work (Military, Policy, Diplomacy, Law Enforcement, etc…) analysis is analysis. Build a strong analytic foundation. Communication skills are critical. You have to know how to write clearly and concisely and you have to know how to brief an audience or supervisor. By the way, artificial intelligence (AI) is not something that can substitute for analysis or communication. As we move forward with technology, a solid understanding of how to use Open Source information will be critical. In the era of AI and disinformation, analysts must be able to detect mis-information, dis-information and find the true factual sources. Develop solid OSINT research skills. Another area is “cyber”. This area will be with us forever, and we have to understand the challenges the Cyber world presents and how threats/issues can range from simple mis-information to catastrophic cyber attacks. While the cyber world is complex, a solid analytic foundation will help separate the wheat from the chaff.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Chandler: First, focus on being good at your job. Focus on learning your specific assigned area. Get the basics down – analytic skills, communication skills. Build a strong work ethic and professional foundation. If you can find a good mentor, link up with them. Be willing to go the “extra mile” in being a team player and doing things to help others on the team, and put in the hours. In intelligence, you will not always like what policy makers do or say. It’s not our job to agree or disagree with the policy, our job is to study the situation, present the facts and then present a fact-based analytic assessment. Keep opinion, bias, and politics out of our work. This will be a challenge, but it’s one you have to recognize in order to not succumb to it.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Mark Chandler: If you go into the government, you will be limited to the standard government salary. If you go into the private sector, you will start on a lower pay scale (without experience), but have the potential to exceed the government pay structure a few years into you career. Higher education will provide assistance a few years after graduation (with a BA), but won’t result in significant salary bumps. The more experience you gain, the more marketable you become.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Mark Stehr PhD: Having skill in programming, data manipulation, prediction, and causal inference will set you apart from many other economics majors.
Develop good people skills. Moving into higher level roles as your career progresses requires working with, motivating, and managing professional relationships.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Stehr PhD: At the start of your career, it's very important to land a role where you learn a lot and find good mentors. The additional skills will pay dividends as your career progresses.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Mark Stehr PhD: The ability to use AI to augment your productivity. We're all still working out what this will look like, but it's certain to be important.
What general advice would you give to a Consultant?
Michael Rosino PhD: One major skill is cultural and structural competency or understanding how social structures shape group experiences and how diverse cultures engage in everyday life. Another is gaining applied research skills. These can include program evaluation (using data and analysis for assessing the effectiveness of a particular program or initiative) and user experience/interface analysis for software, applications, and technologies using qualitative data. We live in a data-rich world where organizations, companies, and institutions need people who can do quantitative data analysis to bring about insights about markets, stakeholders, and the needs and demographics of communities. Along these lines, I know these are buzzwords, but critical thinking and research literacy are super important; employers want to hire candidates who have a clear understanding of how to read and interpret research findings, how to think through and solve complex problems, and how to find accurate and reliable information. Professional writing and clear communication for multiple stakeholders and audiences are also crucial. Finally, I would say that sociology provides the more intangible skills of understanding social processes and having empathy and curiosity when it comes to different groups of people and their lived experiences. These skills are especially relevant in workplaces that require cooperation (perhaps even across nations or groups) and positive experiences for clients, users, or other stakeholders.
What Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Rosino PhD: First, I would suggest taking stock of your community or the communities where you would like to work or serve and looking at the local demographics, opportunities, institutions, and organizations. You can then use those resources to network by contacting others who do the type of work you are interested in. Building your reputation and connections with others in the career or field, whether in the space of policy work, nonprofit organizations, business, law, or education, will help you gain further access to mentorship and opportunities. Another suggestion I would give is to develop and refine an area of expertise, whether that is a specific type of research skill or topic to help figure out what your network should look like (for instance, connecting with other folks passionate about health equity, housing, environment, consumer insights, opinion data, etc.) Look at what areas of the economy are growing or what complex problems are emerging as there are always organizations and institutions that will be addressing those issues and opportunities. The payoffs of networking may not come immediately but they will absolutely help down the line in terms of resources and opportunities and help you feel less alone in your work.
What will help Consultants increase their earning potential?
Michael Rosino PhD: One thing that I always emphasize to students is to confidently craft your story when applying for jobs and preparing materials. While it may feel uncomfortable to come off as confident, it is important not to downplay your skills and experience. So, my advice is to think deeply about why you would be a good fit for each job and to highlight the concrete skills and experiences you have gained - especially in terms of topical background, technical acumen with specific software or methodologies or research/writing skills. Secondly, I suggest looking at which fields are in high demand. While it is not always possible because people may have geographic constraints, considering as many wide opportunities in all kinds of places can also be beneficial. Two other pieces of advice which may be more relevant to those a bit further on would be to negotiate when you are offered a mid-level or professional job and to ask for benefits and salary and to consider going back to gain additional education such as a Master's degree to qualify for higher-paying and more prestigious jobs.