NAICS Code for Consulting Business
The NAICS code for a consulting business is 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. General business and management consulting, including strategic planning, business start-up and financial management consulting, falls under 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. The 5416 group splits consulting by subject, so HR, marketing and logistics consultants each have their own code. Technical IT consulting belongs in 5415, not 541611.
Related codes to add
Most businesses list several NAICS codes. Use 541611 as your primary if it covers most of your revenue, and add these when they describe work you also do:
| Code | Use it when | Size standard |
|---|---|---|
| 541612 Human Resources Consulting Services | You consult on human resources, compensation or hiring. | $29 million or less in receipts |
| 541613 Marketing Consulting Services | You consult on marketing or sales. | $19 million or less in receipts |
| 541614 Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services | You consult on logistics or supply chain. | $20 million or less in receipts |
| 541690 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | You consult on scientific or technical subjects such as safety, energy or agriculture. | $19 million or less in receipts |
How to choose
Your primary NAICS code should match the work that brings in most of your revenue, and it sets which size standard applies to you for most set-aside contracts. Read each code's Census definition before you register. Our guide on how to choose NAICS codes covers the trade-offs. To see whether you count as small under these codes, try the size standard checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NAICS code for a consulting business?
The NAICS code for a consulting business is 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. General business and management consulting, including strategic planning, business start-up and financial management consulting, falls under 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. The 5416 group splits consulting by subject, so HR, marketing and logistics consultants each have their own code. Technical IT consulting belongs in 5415, not 541611.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 541611?
A business counts as small under NAICS 541611 with $24.5 million or less in average annual receipts, under the SBA's table of size standards. Federal contracts set aside for small businesses under this code are limited to firms that meet it.
Can I list more than one NAICS code?
Yes. In your SAM.gov registration you pick one primary NAICS code and can add as many others as describe work you can actually do. Add every code below that fits, because agencies search and set aside contracts by code.