NAICS 541613 Quarterly Industry Report
Marketing Consulting Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 541613Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report provides information about NAICS 541613: Marketing Consulting Services based on the 2022 NAICS Classification System from the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Industry statistics are drawn from Census Bureau data tables[5] and the SBA[6] size standards. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[7].. All valuation standards referenced, including Fair Market Value metrics, align with standard business valuation practices for the marketing consulting services sector.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the marketing consulting services industry.
NAICS Sector
54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Marketing Consulting Services (NAICS 541613) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing operating advice and assistance to businesses on marketing issues, including developing marketing objectives and policies, sales forecasting, new product development and pricing, and comprehensive marketing planning and strategies. Per Census Bureau[5] data, the industry serves a diverse client base across retail, technology, financial services, and consumer goods sectors.
Strong growth and increasing specialization define this market. Digital marketing consulting led with about 32 percent market share in 2024, reflecting enterprises' urgent need to adapt to privacy-first advertising models. On-site consulting accounted for roughly 53 percent of service delivery, with hybrid delivery models projected to expand further. Employment in management consulting and related analyst roles is growing at 14 percent, faster than the average job outlook.
Key market drivers include enterprises racing to integrate artificial intelligence into omnichannel strategies, comply with rapidly tightening privacy laws, and shift to outcome-based compensation models. Retail and consumer goods held about 29 percent of revenue in 2024, while technology and media sectors are set to register the highest growth through 2030. Advances in marketing automation, data analytics, and emerging technologies continue to reshape with advances in marketing automation, data analytics, and emerging technologies reshaping how consultants deliver value to their clients.
What's Included in This Industry
- Marketing objectives and policies development
- Sales forecasting and demand planning
- New product development and pricing consultation
- Licensing and franchising planning
- Marketing planning and strategies development
- Brand and demand generation consulting
- Media planning and analytics consultation
- Pricing strategy and implementation advisory
- Digital marketing and omnichannel strategy services
- Market research and competitive analysis
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 54 |
| Subsector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541 |
| Industry Group | Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 5416 |
| NAICS Industry | Management Consulting Services | 54161 |
| National Industry | Marketing Consulting Services | 541613 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 541611 | Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services | Administrative and General Management Consulting provides broader management consulting including financial planning, strategic planning, and organizational development, while 541613 focuses specifically on marketing objectives, strategies, and policies. |
| 541612 | Human Resources Consulting Services | Human Resources Consulting addresses personnel policies, employee benefits, and compensation systems, serving a distinctly different functional area than the marketing strategy and customer-facing advisory work of 541613. |
| 541614 | Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services | Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting provides guidance on supply chain, distribution networks, and operations management, complementing marketing consulting on distribution strategy and market access. |
| 541618 | Other Management Consulting Services | Other Management Consulting Services encompasses strategic planning, organizational development, and telecommunications consulting that may overlap with marketing strategy but covers different functional specialties. |
| 541810 | Advertising Agencies | Advertising Agencies create advertising campaigns and handle media placement, executing the marketing strategies that consulting firms develop for their clients in a complementary service relationship. |
| 541910 | Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling | Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling conducts market analysis and consumer research that marketing consultants use to inform their strategy recommendations and evidence-based advisory work. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 18.4% | 9,224 |
| 2 | Florida | 12.7% | 6,361 |
| 3 | Texas | 6.9% | 3,451 |
| 4 | New York | 6.9% | 3,449 |
| 5 | Illinois | 3.8% | 1,879 |
| 6 | Georgia | 3.8% | 1,878 |
| 7 | Colorado | 3.6% | 1,787 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 2.8% | 1,392 |
| 9 | New Jersey | 2.6% | 1,320 |
| 10 | Arizona | 2.5% | 1,266 |
% Of Establishments
0%
18%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
3,312
Total SBA Loans
$955.6M
Total Loan Volume
$289K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.99%
Average Interest Rate
24,448
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA[6] classifies Marketing Consulting Services under NAICS 541613 with a size standard of $19.0 million in average annual receipts. Businesses meeting this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA programs and federal contracting set-asides. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[8] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[9] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | 64 | $112.3M | $1.8M |
| 2 | Northeast Bank | 704 | $99.0M | $141K |
| 3 | Readycap Lending, LLC | 288 | $80.0M | $278K |
| 4 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 72 | $72.0M | $1.0M |
| 5 | Bank of America, National Association | 72 | $65.9M | $915K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What is the difference between marketing consulting and advertising agencies?
Marketing consultants provide strategic advice and guidance on marketing objectives, policies, and overall marketing plans, while advertising agencies typically focus on executing plans through creative work and media placement. Consultants develop the strategy; agencies execute the tactics. Many organizations use both services together. Census Bureau NAICS 541613[10]
What services do marketing consultants typically provide?
Marketing consultants provide services including developing marketing objectives and policies, sales forecasting, new product development guidance, pricing strategy, market research and analysis, brand development, digital marketing strategy, and comprehensive marketing planning. Services are often customized to address specific client challenges.
What industries benefit most from marketing consulting services?
Retail and consumer goods represent the largest client segment at about 29 percent of revenue, while technology and media sectors show the highest growth rates. Financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and nonprofits all regularly engage marketing consultants for strategic guidance. BLS Occupational Outlook[11]
How large is the marketing consulting services industry in the United States?
The marketing consulting market in the United States is a major component of the broader consulting industry. North America contributed about 38 percent of 2024 global marketing consulting revenue, making the U.S. the dominant region. Market size was valued at roughly $35 billion in 2025 with projected growth at about 5 percent annually through 2030.
What is the SBA size standard for marketing consulting services?
The SBA classifies marketing consulting under NAICS 541613 with a size standard of $19.0 million in average annual receipts. Businesses meeting this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA programs, government contracting set-asides, and other small business assistance. SBA Size Standards[12]
What are the major growth drivers for marketing consulting services?
Current growth is driven by enterprises integrating artificial intelligence into omnichannel marketing strategies, complying with privacy regulations, and shifting to outcome-based compensation structures. Digital marketing consulting captured about 32 percent of market share in 2024, reflecting urgent demand for digital transformation expertise. Employment in consulting analyst roles grows at 14 percent annually. BLS Management Analysts[11]
What qualifications should marketing consultants have?
Many successful marketing consultants hold certifications such as Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, or industry-specific credentials. Some employers prefer consultants with master's degrees in marketing, business, or related fields plus several years of work experience. Specialized expertise in data analytics and digital marketing platforms is increasingly valued.
How does Fair Market Value apply to marketing consulting services?
Fair Market Value represents the price at which a business would change hands between a willing buyer and seller, neither under compulsion, with both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. For consulting firms, valuation methods include income-based approaches such as discounted cash flow analysis and market-based approaches comparing the firm to similar businesses using multiples of revenue and earnings.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [6]SBA sba.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504 loans sba.gov
- [10]Census Bureau NAICS 541613 census.gov
- [11]BLS Occupational Outlook bls.gov
- [12]SBA Size Standards sba.gov
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.