How Much Does AI Consulting Cost? A Complete Guide

"What's this going to cost?" It's the first question most business owners ask about AI consulting—and it's a fair one. Here's an honest breakdown of what AI consulting costs, what affects pricing, and how to think about ROI.

The Short Answer

AI consulting for small businesses typically ranges from $1,500 to $15,000 for most projects. Enterprise-level implementations can run $50,000+, but those aren't what most small businesses need.

Here's a rough breakdown:

What Affects AI Consulting Costs

1. Complexity of Implementation

A simple lead follow-up automation costs less than a full CRM automation system with multiple integrations. The more systems involved, the more configuration required, and the higher the cost.

2. Customization Required

Off-the-shelf solutions with standard configurations cost less than custom-built automations. If your business has unique workflows or specific requirements, expect to pay more for tailored solutions.

3. Number of Integrations

Connecting two systems is straightforward. Connecting five systems that all need to share data and trigger actions? That's more complex—and more expensive.

4. Training Needs

Some businesses need extensive team training to use AI tools effectively. Others have tech-savvy teams that pick things up quickly. Training adds value but also adds cost.

5. Consultant Experience and Location

Consultants in major metros often charge more than those in smaller markets. Experience level matters too—seasoned consultants charge more but often deliver faster, more reliable results.

Pricing Models Explained

Project-Based Pricing

A fixed price for a defined scope of work. You know exactly what you're paying before the project starts. This is most common for specific implementations like "set up automated lead follow-up" or "implement appointment scheduling."

Best for: Well-defined projects with clear deliverables.

Hourly Consulting

Pay for actual time spent. Rates typically range from $100-$300/hour depending on expertise and location. Good for strategy sessions, training, or ongoing advisory work.

Best for: Advisory work, training sessions, or exploratory projects.

Retainer/Monthly Support

Ongoing support for a fixed monthly fee. Includes monitoring, adjustments, troubleshooting, and strategy guidance. Typically $500-$2,000/month for small businesses.

Best for: Businesses that want ongoing optimization and support.

How to Calculate ROI

The real question isn't "what does it cost?" but "what's the return?" Here's how to think about AI ROI:

Time Savings

If you save 10 hours per week on manual tasks, and your time is worth $50/hour, that's $500/week or $26,000/year in recovered productivity. A $5,000 implementation pays for itself in about 10 weeks.

Increased Conversions

If faster lead response increases your close rate from 20% to 25%, and you get 100 leads per month worth $1,000 each, that's an extra $5,000/month in revenue.

Reduced No-Shows

If automated reminders reduce no-shows by 50%, and each no-show costs you $200 in lost revenue, the math adds up fast.

Red Flags in AI Consulting Pricing

Watch out for these warning signs:

• • No clear scope or deliverables. You should know exactly what you're getting.
• • Quotes that seem too good to be true. Quality work costs money. Rock-bottom prices often mean corners cut.
• • No mention of training or handoff. You need to understand and maintain what's built.
• • Pressure to decide immediately. Good consultants give you time to think.
• • No discovery process. If they quote without understanding your business, run.

Getting the Most Value from Your Investment

• Start with a strategy session. Identify highest-impact opportunities before diving into implementation.
• Focus on quick wins first. Build momentum with projects that show fast ROI.
• Invest in training. Your team's ability to use tools effectively determines long-term value.
• Plan for ongoing optimization. AI systems improve with tuning. Budget for support.