The landscape of professional services in the United States is transforming, creating unprecedented opportunities for international firms seeking to establish or expand their presence in the world’s most dynamic market. Recent analysis from MarketWatch reveals that the US professional services sector is projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for specialized expertise across consulting, legal, accounting, and advisory services. This growth reshapes traditional business hubs and creates new centers of excellence nationwide.

International firms are finding success in this evolving landscape, with cross-border professional services transactions reaching record levels in 2023. The rise of hybrid work models has democratized access to talent, while digital transformation initiatives have created new service categories and client needs. According to the Kantata’s 2024 State of the Industry Report, international firms now account for 28% of all professional services revenue in the US, up from 22% in 2022.

The Professional Services Boom: Setting the Stage

The US professional services landscape has matured significantly since the post-pandemic recovery, characterized by sophisticated client demands and evolving delivery models. Market analysis from Deloitte shows that digital transformation consulting alone grew by 35% in 2023, while environmental, social, and governance (ESG) advisory services saw a remarkable 42% increase in demand.

Key market indicators for 2025 showcase unprecedented growth:

• International professional services firms captured $78 billion of the US market in 2024, up from $61 billion in 2023 (Professional Services Market Report 2025)
  
  
• First-year success rate for international firms entering the US reached 72% in 2024, compared to 58% in 2022 (Kantata Industry Survey 2024)
  
  
• 68% of Fortune 500 companies actively sought international service providers in 2024 for specialized expertise
  
  
• The average time to first major US client for international firms decreased to 4.5 months in 2024, from 7 months in 2022
  
  
• International firms achieved 85% client retention rates in their US operations during 2024
  
  
• Cross-border digital delivery models reduced initial US market entry costs by 45% compared to traditional expansion methods
  
  

Source: Professional Services Market Report 2025 – Professional Services Market Size And Trends By 2034

This robust growth is reshaping how international firms approach the US market. The widespread adoption of hybrid work models has expanded talent accessibility across regions, while digital transformation initiatives have created new service categories and client needs. Fortune 500 companies increasingly recognize the value of a diverse provider ecosystem, creating opportunities for firms that can bring both local expertise and global perspectives to address complex business challenges. This evolving landscape has made 2024 an optimal time for international firms to establish or expand their US presence, particularly in specialized service areas where demand continues to outpace supply.

Top Professional Services Hubs in the United States

New York City: The Global Professional Services Capital

New York City stands as the undisputed leader in professional services, offering unparalleled access to global financial institutions and Fortune 500 headquarters. The city’s ecosystem creates a unique environment where international firms can develop meaningful business relationships through industry conferences, professional associations, and networking events. Beyond Wall Street, the city’s diverse economy spans media, technology, and real estate sectors, providing varied opportunities for specialized consulting and advisory services. The concentration of global companies headquartered in New York creates multiple pathways to connect with C-suite decision-makers – from participating in industry forums and leadership roundtables to engaging through chambers of commerce and professional organizations. These networking opportunities, combined with the city’s reputation as a worldwide financial center, help international firms build credibility and establish their presence in the market.

Challenges

Operating in New York presents distinct challenges that require careful navigation by international firms. The intense competition isn’t limited to client acquisition – firms must compete for top talent with established players and startups. Professional talent commands exceptional compensation, with senior consultants expecting base salaries 45% above national averages plus significant bonuses. The regulatory environment adds another layer of complexity, with New York State having distinct compliance requirements for professional services firms, particularly in financial advisory and consulting. Client expectations in New York are also notably high, often demanding 24/7 availability and rapid response times, which can strain international firms managing global time zones. Building credibility and networks in New York’s close-knit professional services community can also take significant time and investment, especially for firms operating primarily through remote teams.

Key Statistics

• Professional services contribute $142 billion to New York City’s GDP as of Q4 2024
  
  
• Financial advisory services in NYC grew by 28% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024
  
  
• Management consulting billings in NYC’s technology sector increased by 32% from 2023 to 2024
  
  
• Legal services revenue from international clients in NYC rose by 25% between January 2023 and December 2024
  
  
• The average consulting project size in NYC reached $2.8 million in Q4 2024
  
  
• Professional services employment in the metropolitan area grew to 285,000 workers by December 2024

Talent Pool

New York’s professional talent pool benefits from a rich ecosystem of prestigious educational institutions and global talent attractions. Columbia Business School and NYU Stern produce over 1,500 MBA graduates annually, while Fordham University and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business add another 2,000 graduate-level business professionals to the market. The city attracts experienced consultants from global firms, with 42% of new hires in 2024 coming from international markets.

International Company Success Story

Accenture’s Digital Innovation Hub expansion from Ireland exemplifies successful market entry in New York City. After launching in early 2023, they strategically positioned their 100-person innovation center in Hudson Yards, focusing on AI applications in financial services. The firm leveraged New York’s unique ecosystem by partnering with Columbia University’s Data Science Institute for talent recruitment while establishing key relationships with Wall Street institutions. Within nine months, they secured major partnerships with leading financial institutions, developed proprietary AI solutions for risk management, and achieved 220% growth in US financial services revenue. Their success stemmed from understanding New York’s high-touch business culture, investing in local relationships, and positioning themselves at the intersection of finance and technology.

Boston: The Innovation Advisory Hub

Boston is as a powerhouse for professional services firms specializing in innovation consulting, biotechnology advisory, and education sector services. The city’s unique combination of academic excellence, research institutions, and technology companies creates an attractive ecosystem for firms offering specialized advisory services. The concentration of venture capital firms and startups provides a steady stream of clients seeking strategic guidance, while the strong healthcare and biotech sectors offer opportunities for specialized consulting services.

Challenges

Building credibility within Boston’s tight-knit innovation community requires significant relationship development and thought leadership investment. The talent market is highly competitive, with firms competing against established consultancies and innovative startups. Additionally, the seasonal nature of the academic calendar can affect project timing and resource planning for firms serving educational institutions.

Key Statistics

• Innovation consulting services in Boston generated $48 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024
  
  
• Healthcare advisory services in Boston grew by 35% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, driven primarily by digital health transformation projects
  
  
• Education technology consulting in Boston increased by 42% from January 2023 to December 2024, with K-12 digital learning initiatives leading the growth
  
  
• Biotech advisory services in Boston expanded by 38% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, particularly in therapeutic development and clinical trial optimization
  
  
• The average innovation consulting project value in Boston reached $1.8 million in Q4 2024, representing a 25% increase from the previous year’s average for enterprise-level digital transformation initiatives

Talent Pool

Boston’s talent ecosystem is powered by world-class educational institutions and a strong innovation culture. Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan combine to produce over 1,200 MBA graduates annually. At the same time, Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business and Boston University’s Questrom School of Business contribute another 1,500 business professionals to the market.

International Company Success Story

Roland Berger’s Healthcare Practice expansion from Germany demonstrates the potential in Boston’s specialized consulting market. Starting with a remote-first team of 11 healthcare experts in early 2024, they built a practice focused on biotech strategy and digital health transformation. By leveraging Boston’s rich healthcare ecosystem and establishing partnerships with leading research hospitals, they grew to 17 consultants within eight months. Their success came from focusing on the intersection of healthcare innovation and digital transformation, helping biotech startups scale while advising established healthcare providers on technology adoption.

Chicago: The Mid-Market Advisory Hub

Chicago offers unique advantages for professional services firms focusing on mid-market clients and industrial transformation consulting. The city’s position as a major business hub for the Midwest and its strong manufacturing and technology sectors create abundant opportunities for specialized advisory services. Chicago’s central location and time zone make it ideal for firms managing nationwide remote teams, while its diverse economy spans manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. The city’s mid-market focus often means less competition than coastal hubs, allowing international firms to establish stronger market positions.

Challenges

Firms entering Chicago must navigate several key challenges. Building credibility with traditional Midwestern businesses often requires a more relationship-focused approach, even in a remote environment. The market demands deep industry expertise in manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Talent retention can be challenging as professionals are often recruited by coastal firms offering remote work opportunities. Additionally, firms must adapt to the Midwest’s more conservative business culture while managing pricing and service delivery expectations.

Key Statistics

• Mid-market advisory services in Chicago generated $38 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024, with manufacturing and healthcare sectors leading growth
  
  
• Manufacturing sector consulting in Chicago grew by 42% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, primarily driven by Industry 4.0 and supply chain optimization projects
  
  
• Healthcare advisory services in Chicago expanded by 32% between January 2023 and December 2024, particularly in digital health transformation initiatives
  
  
• Average client engagement value in Chicago reached $1.2 million in Q4 2024, up from $980,000 in Q4 2023, reflecting increased scope of digital transformation projects
  
  
• Remote consulting teams grew by 55% across the Chicago metropolitan region from January 2023 to December 2024, with strongest growth in manufacturing technology specialists

Talent Pool

Chicago’s professional talent pool is strengthened by prestigious business schools and a strong professional community. The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management are primary sources of consulting talent. At the same time, DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago contribute significantly to the professional services workforce.

International Company Success Story

KPMG Digital Operations (Netherlands) exemplifies successful Chicago expansion in 2024. They established a distributed team of manufacturing and supply chain specialists, growing from 25 to 120 consultants across the Midwest region. They secured major contracts with automotive and industrial clients by focusing on digital transformation for traditional manufacturers. Their success came from understanding the Midwest’s business culture while bringing innovative European manufacturing expertise to the market, resulting in 180% revenue growth in their first year.

Miami: The Latin American Gateway

Miami has become a strategic hub for professional services firms targeting US and Latin American markets. The city’s multicultural environment and growing technology and financial services sectors create unique opportunities for international firms. Miami’s position as a bridge between North and South America makes it ideal for firms managing cross-border projects, while its emerging crypto and fintech ecosystem attracts innovative advisory services. The city offers significant business advantages, including no state income tax, no estate tax, and lower corporate tax rates compared to other major business hubs. Beyond tax benefits, Miami attracts remote talent through its year-round warm weather, vibrant cultural scene, and lower cost of living compared to cities like New York or San Francisco. The city’s growing roster of Fortune 500 satellite offices and Latin American corporate headquarters has also created a rich ecosystem for professional services firms specializing in cross-border operations.

Challenges

Professional services firms in Miami face unique obstacles in their growth journey. The market requires strong cultural competency and often bilingual capabilities, particularly for firms serving Latin American clients. Building trust with local and international clients requires significant investment in relationship development. The seasonal nature of Miami’s business cycle can affect project timing, while firms must also navigate complex international compliance requirements when serving multi-national clients. Additionally, the rapid evolution of Miami’s business ecosystem means firms must constantly adapt their service offerings.

Key Statistics 

• International advisory services in Miami generated $28 billion in fiscal year 2024, with 60% from cross-border engagements
  
  
• Fintech consulting revenue in Miami grew by 55% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, led by digital payments and banking infrastructure projects
  
  
• Latin American client engagements increased by 48% between January 2023 and December 2024, particularly in financial services and technology sectors
  
  
• Crypto and blockchain advisory services in Miami expanded by 65% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, driven by institutional adoption and regulatory compliance projects
  
  
• The average international project value in Miami reached $950,000 in Q4 2024, up from $720,000 in Q4 2023, reflecting growing complexity in cross-border engagements

Talent Pool

Miami’s talent ecosystem benefits from its international appeal and growing educational institutions. The University of Miami Herbert Business School and Florida International University contribute significantly to the professional services workforce, while the city attracts experienced professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean.

International Company Success Story

BDO Digital (Netherlands) launched its Americas technology advisory hub in Miami in 2024, focusing on cross-border digital transformation services. Starting with a remote team of 14 consultants, they leveraged Miami’s strategic position to serve US and Latin American clients. By building a bilingual practice and developing specialized expertise in fintech and cryptocurrency consulting, they grew to 35 professionals within ten months. Their success came from understanding Miami’s unique position as an international business gateway, resulting in a 200% growth in cross-border advisory revenue.

Emerging Professional Services Hubs

Austin, Texas: The Technology Services Center

Austin is an emerging hub for technology-focused professional services, driven by major relocations, including Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung. The city’s ecosystem excels in technology consulting, digital transformation, and startup advisory services. With no state income tax and a cost of living 35% lower than Silicon Valley, Austin attracts remote talent nationwide. The University of Texas at Austin produces over 1,000 business and technology graduates annually, while accelerators like Capital Factory connect professional services firms with high-growth clients. International firms find particular success in specialized niches like semiconductor consulting, AI advisory, and sustainability services. The city’s strong emphasis on work-life balance and cultural amenities helps firms attract and retain top talent, while its central time zone position facilitates collaboration with both coastal teams. Austin’s tech scene is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on emerging technologies, with specialized consulting opportunities in areas like quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.

• Technology consulting services in Austin grew by 58% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, particularly in semiconductor and AI advisory services
  
  
• Professional services firms in Austin added 3,800 remote jobs between January 2023 and December 2024, with 65% in technical consulting roles
  
  
• Average consulting rates in Austin during Q4 2024 were 25% lower than Silicon Valley rates, while maintaining a strong talent pool from top tech companies
  
  
• Startup advisory services in Austin increased by 45% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, driven by fintech and cleantech venture activity
  
  
• 42% of consulting projects in Austin during fiscal year 2024 focused on digital transformation, up from 35% in 2023
  
  
• International client engagements in Austin grew by 65% between January 2023 and December 2024, particularly in technology and manufacturing secto

Denver, Colorado: The Sustainability Consulting Hub

Denver has established itself as the nation’s leading center for sustainability and clean energy consulting, attracting firms specializing in ESG advisory and renewable energy consulting. The city’s commitment to clean energy, evidenced by its Climate Action Plan and $200 million Green Investment Fund, creates consistent demand for specialized advisory services. Major energy companies headquartered in Denver provide steady consulting opportunities, while the city’s outdoor lifestyle helps attract and retain remote talent from coastal markets. The presence of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offers unique partnership opportunities for professional services firms focused on sustainability. Denver’s position as a hub for outdoor industry brands also creates unique consulting opportunities in sustainable supply chain management and eco-friendly product development. The city’s strong focus on work-life balance and environmental consciousness aligns perfectly with the values of many international firms. At the same time, its growing reputation in green technology attracts innovative clients from across the country.

• ESG consulting revenue in Denver grew by 65% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, driven by corporate sustainability reporting and climate risk assessment projects
  
  
• Renewable energy advisory services in Denver increased by 52% between January 2023 and December 2024, particularly in solar and wind project development consulting
  
  
• Remote professional services employment in Denver rose by 48% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, with highest growth in sustainability specialists and clean energy experts
  
  
• Average project value in sustainability consulting in Denver reached $850,000 in Q4 2024, up from $650,000 in Q4 2023, reflecting increased complexity in ESG implementation
  
  
• Clean energy consulting projects in Denver grew by 78% from January 2023 to December 2024, led by utility-scale renewable projects and grid modernization initiatives
  
  
• International firms captured 35% of Denver’s sustainability consulting market in fiscal year 2024, up from 28% in 2023, particularly in emerging cleantech segments

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Financial Technology Hub

Salt Lake City has emerged as “Silicon Slopes,” a significant fintech consulting and digital financial services advisory center. The city’s unique combination of young tech talent (median age 31) and established financial institutions creates a robust demand for specialized consulting services. The University of Utah’s Financial Technology Center provides cutting-edge research and talent, while the state’s business-friendly regulations attract fintech startups needing advisory services. The presence of major operations from Goldman Sachs and Fidelity drives demand for regulatory and compliance consulting, while the growing cryptocurrency sector creates opportunities in blockchain advisory services. The city’s proximity to world-class ski resorts and outdoor recreation areas helps attract top talent from coastal markets. In contrast, its affordable housing market enables firms to offer competitive compensation packages. Salt Lake City’s strong emphasis on work-life balance and family-friendly policies makes it particularly attractive for professionals seeking to escape the intensity of traditional financial centers.

• Fintech consulting services in Salt Lake City grew by 45% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, led by blockchain and digital payments advisory projects
  
  
• Digital banking advisory revenue in Salt Lake City increased by 38% between January 2023 and December 2024, particularly in open banking and regulatory compliance services
  
  
• Remote workforce in professional services in Salt Lake City expanded by 55% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, with strongest growth in fintech development and compliance specialists
  
  
• Average consulting rates in Salt Lake City during Q4 2024 were 30% below the national average, while maintaining a highly skilled workforce from top financial institutions
  
  
• Professional services firms in Salt Lake City added 2,200 remote jobs between January 2023 and December 2024, with 70% in financial technology and digital transformation roles

Nashville, Tennessee: Healthcare Advisory Hub

Nashville’s healthcare industry, comprising over 500 healthcare companies, has created a thriving market for specialized healthcare consulting. The city’s healthcare expertise spans revenue cycle management, digital health transformation, and healthcare IT consulting. Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management produces specialized healthcare consultants, while the city’s lower cost of living attracts remote workers from higher-cost markets. International firms find particular success in telehealth advisory and healthcare analytics consulting. Major hospital operators like support the city’s strong healthcare ecosystem, creating constant demand for specialized consulting services. Nashville’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation is further strengthened by its growing biotechnology sector and numerous healthcare technology startups. The city’s famous music industry also provides unique consulting opportunities in entertainment and healthcare, particularly in mental health and wellness services.

• Healthcare consulting revenue in Nashville grew by 42% from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, primarily in hospital operations and revenue cycle management
  
  
• Digital health advisory services in Nashville increased by 58% between January 2023 and December 2024, driven by AI integration and electronic health record modernization projects
  
  
• Remote healthcare consulting teams in Nashville expanded by 45% from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, with particular growth in healthcare analytics and compliance specialists
  
  
• The average healthcare project value in Nashville reached $925,000 in Q4 2024, up from $750,000 in Q4 2023, reflecting increased complexity in health system transformation initiatives.

Market Entry Strategies for International Professional Services Firms

The US market offers various entry paths for international professional services firms, each with distinct advantages depending on your business goals, timeline, and resources. Understanding these options is crucial for developing an effective expansion strategy.

Virtual Office Solutions

For firms testing the market or maintaining a lighter footprint, virtual office solutions offer a professional US presence without the overhead of physical space. This option provides a US business address, mail handling, and virtual reception services, ideal for professional services firms operating with remote teams. Virtual offices can be particularly effective for consulting, advisory, or digital services firms where physical presence isn’t critical to service delivery.

Find out more about Virtual Offices in the USA

Entity Setup and Management

Establishing a US legal entity provides the most comprehensive market presence and control over operations. This approach involves incorporating in a chosen state, establishing banking relationships, and managing US tax obligations. While this requires more initial investment and setup time, it offers maximum growth and client engagement flexibility. Professional service providers like Foothold America can guide firms through the entity setup process, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while streamlining the administrative burden.

Find out more about setting up a US Entity

Employment Options

Professional Employer Organization Services

When expanding with a US entity, firms can manage their US workforce through services like Professional Employer Organization (PEO+). These solutions help manage HR administration, payroll, benefits, and compliance while the firm maintains direct employment relationships with its team. This approach combines operational control with reduced administrative complexity, which is particularly valuable for professional services firms building specialized teams.

Find out more about PEO+

Employer of Record Services

Employer of Record (EOR) services provide a turnkey solution for hiring US talent for firms without a US entity or those seeking the fastest market entry. Under this model, the EOR legally employs the workers while maintaining day-to-day operational control. This approach eliminates the need for entity setup while providing immediate access to US talent. Many professional services firms use EOR services to test new market opportunities without committing to entity establishment, while others leverage it to hire specific expertise quickly across multiple states. The flexibility of this model allows firms to scale operations based on project needs and market response, making it particularly attractive for international firms entering the US market for the first time.

Find out more about EOR

Conclusion

The US professional services market offers unprecedented opportunities for international firms as evolving business models and digital transformation continue to reshape the industry. Whether choosing an established hub like New York, with its financial services prominence, or an emerging center like Austin, with its technology focus, success depends on making informed decisions about market entry methods and understanding regional dynamics.

Accepting remote work and virtual service delivery has created new opportunities for international firms to test and enter the US market with reduced initial investment. As the market continues to evolve, firms that can adapt quickly while maintaining service excellence will find substantial opportunities for growth. For international professional services firms ready to take the next step, the US market represents a new territory and a transformative opportunity to establish a lasting presence in the world’s most dynamic professional services market.

Ready to take the next step?