Chapter 10 Research
Communications and consulting firms, by the numbers
Communications firm relationships last 4.4 years on average and cost an average of $180,312 a year, according to Observer's 2026 PR Power List.
Beltway Media collected these published 2026 statistics to give buyers a factual baseline before comparing firms. Each figure is quoted as its source published it, with full ranges and conditions. None of these are Beltway Media's own numbers; they describe the wider PR, communications and consulting market.
Published by Beltway MediaLast updated
What do the numbers say about hiring a communications firm?
They say firm relationships are long and expensive, so the decision deserves care. With an average 4.4-year relationship and six-figure annual spend, choosing the right model up front matters more than switching later.
Published statistics
PR and communications firms
4.4 years
“The average length of the client-firm relationship was 4.4 years, and the average annual service cost was $180,312 (ranging up to $10 million per year).”
44%
“The majority of respondents (44%) had 1-5 years of experience; 38% had 5-20 years; and 19% had 20+ years.”
$12K
“Published $12K monthly minimum; 6-month initial term, then month-to-month.”
Source: Best PR Agencies in the United States 2026: 16 Firms Compared, Crackle PR
12 months
“Recency of placement evidence. Coverage placed in tier-1 and trade targets in the last 12 months.”
Source: Best PR Agencies in the United States 2026: 16 Firms Compared, Crackle PR (evaluation criterion)
Published statistics
Consulting firms
>$220B
“The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) are the largest by scale, with combined FY2025 revenue above $220 billion and strategy arms that compete with MBB on many projects.”
Source: Top Consulting Firms 2026: MBB, Big 4 and Boutiques, Extern
Since 2018
“MBB (McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group) have held the top three Vault Consulting 50 spots every year since 2018, with entry acceptance rates near 1%.”
Source: Top Consulting Firms 2026: MBB, Big 4 and Boutiques, Extern
40%+
“BCG’s headline number is that AI and tech work is now more than 40% of its revenue, with AI services up 25% in 2025.”
4.9%
“The Americas lost 4.9% of their people, while EY’s global entities grew 12.3%; that group includes its Global Delivery Services organization, the shared teams that do work for member firms around the world.”
A note on contested figures
StrategyU warns that some widely repeated consulting revenue figures are stale: “The $16 billion still quoted everywhere is that 2023 number.” We quote dated figures with their year for that reason. See what communications firms cost or return to the best communications firms guide.
Field questions
Common questions
- How long do client-firm relationships usually last?
- Observer’s 2026 PR Power List survey reported an average client-firm relationship length of 4.4 years. That suggests many organizations treat communications support as a long-term function rather than a one-off project. Build review points into any engagement so you can check results and adjust scope over time.
- How much does a communications firm cost?
- Costs vary widely. Observer’s 2026 PR Power List survey reported an average annual service cost of $180,312, ranging up to $10 million per year. Crackle PR’s 2026 comparison lists one agency with a published $12K monthly minimum and a 6-month initial term. Scope, seniority, number of audiences and contract length drive most of the difference.
- How do communications firms compare to MBB or Big Four consultancies?
- They solve different problems. According to Extern’s 2026 guide, McKinsey, Bain and BCG have held the top three Vault Consulting 50 spots every year since 2018, and the Big Four had combined FY2025 revenue above $220 billion. Those firms focus on strategy and operations at scale. Communications consulting firms focus on messaging, media and stakeholder trust.
- Can AI replace a communications firm?
- Not for judgment. Beltway Media’s view is that AI makes routine execution cheap but generates toward the safe middle, so human editorial judgment, defensible positions and original evidence become the competitive edge. AI can speed drafting and analysis, while a senior communicator decides what to say and stands behind it.
- Do PR agencies require long contracts?
- Some do. Crackle PR’s 2026 comparison of U.S. agencies lists one firm with a published $12K monthly minimum and a 6-month initial term, then month-to-month. Terms differ by firm, so ask every provider for the minimum, the initial term, the notice period, and what happens to the work if you end the engagement.
Need senior communications leadership without a full-time hire?
Beltway Media, the publisher of this guide, offers a free discovery call to understand your communications challenges, goals and current capabilities before recommending anything.