How Much Does AI Consulting Cost for a Small Business

The cost of AI consulting for small businesses varies significantly based on scope, but most engagements fall into predictable price ranges. Here is what you can realistically expect in 2026:

Common Pricing Models

• Hourly consulting: $100 to $300 per hour for independent consultants. Large firms charge $300 to $500+.
• Project-based: $2,000 to $15,000 for a defined scope like automating customer support or building a lead qualification workflow.
• Monthly retainer: $500 to $3,000 per month for ongoing optimization, monitoring, and support.
• Strategy session: $500 to $1,500 for a one-time audit and recommendation report.

What Affects the Price

The biggest cost factor is not the AI tools themselves (many are free or under $50/month) but the consultant's time diagnosing your workflows and configuring the right solution. A restaurant automating reservation confirmations and review responses will cost far less than a law firm automating document review and client intake across multiple practice areas.

How to Keep Costs Down

Start with a focused engagement. Instead of asking a consultant to "implement AI across our business," identify one specific pain point. A single automation (like auto-responding to common customer inquiries) can often be set up for under $2,000 and deliver measurable ROI within the first month.

For businesses in Los Angeles, working with a local consultant like Bushe.co means you get in-person strategy sessions without the overhead of a large consulting firm.