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Managing HR in New York is dynamic but demanding, with strict state and city labor laws, high employee expectations, and a diverse and competitive talent market—requiring employers to be especially sharp on compliance, diversity, and compensation.

Whether you're dealing with employee relations or compliance issues, hiring hurdles, or talent development gaps, the right HR consulting firm in New York can help alleviate headaches and unlock your talent potential.

To help you find the best partner for you, I’ve put together this list of the best HR consultancies in New York including key services, specialisms and other USPs.

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Best HR Consulting Firms New York Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR consulting firms in New York selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best HR Consulting Firms New York Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR consulting firms in New York that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for global workforce management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.8/5

Deel provides HR support services that enable New York-based companies to hire, manage, and pay international teams while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Its platform centralizes payroll, contractor management, and compliance functions, helping organizations reduce administrative burdens tied to global employment.

Why I picked Deel: Deel stands out for its global workforce management capabilities. It allows HR consulting firms in New York to support international hiring without requiring clients to establish local legal entities. Its employer of record (EOR) services and automated payroll features are especially useful for firms that work with distributed teams or clients expanding globally. Deel also offers immigration and visa support, making it easier to bring talent across borders legally and efficiently.

Standout Services: Deel provides contractor and EOR management tools, in-house visa and immigration support, and equipment provisioning for remote teams. It also includes an HRIS for managing employee data, time off, expenses, and performance reporting—all in one place. These features make Deel valuable for firms focused on operational HR services for global teams.

Target industries: Technology, SaaS, professional services, healthcare, and financial services.

Specialties: Global hiring compliance, contractor management, international payroll processing, immigration support, and HRIS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Convenient payment features like the Deel card
  • Built-in compliance tools
  • Broad global coverage

Cons:

  • Platform is complex to navigate
  • A primary focus on HR ops over deep analytics

Best for personalized HR solutions

  • Pricing upon request

Kona HR provides HR consulting services such as compensation, benefits, payroll, and business insurance. They serve professional services organizations and businesses of all sizes, focusing on personalized HR management. Their solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each company.

Why I picked Kona HR: Their emphasis on personalized HR solutions is reflected in their customized support and tailored HR management services. They help your team with employee engagement through platforms like Maxwell Health. Kona HR's focus on individual company needs differentiates them from other providers.

Standout Services: Their benefits administration services simplify managing employee benefits, enhancing overall satisfaction and their business insurance solutions protect your company from potential risks, ensuring peace of mind.

Target industries: Professional services, technology, healthcare, financial services, and education

Specialties: Compensation management, benefits administration, payroll services, HR management, and business insurance

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored support for unique needs
  • Flexible HR solutions
  • Personalized service approach

Cons:

  • Complex service offerings
  • May not suit large enterprises

Best for organizational development

  • Pricing upon request

JER HR Group empowers organizations through strategic HR consulting and compensation expertise. With over 30 years of experience, JER HR Group specializes in executive and staff compensation, HR compliance, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

Why I picked JER HR Group: Their strength in organizational development is evident through their services in leadership development and performance management. They help your team tackle complex people challenges with expert HR consulting and tailored solutions. JER HR Group's emphasis on collaboration ensures that your organization receives high-value, customized strategies.

Standout Services: Their diversity and inclusion initiatives help you build an inclusive workplace, enhancing team cohesion and productivity and the executive coaching service equips your leaders with essential skills to drive organizational success.

Target industries: Nonprofits, healthcare, education, financial services, and technology

Specialties: Compensation consulting, HR compliance, organizational development, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasis on collaboration
  • Tailored HR solutions
  • Strong focus on organizational development

Cons:

  • Complex service offerings
  • May not suit very large enterprises

Best for industry-specific insights

  • Pricing upon request​

Roland Berger’s People & Organization practice focuses on aligning talent, culture, and organizational design to drive sustainable performance. They offer consulting services in strategic workforce planning, organizational transformation, and change management.

Why I picked Roland Berger: They excel in providing industry-specific insights, particularly in sectors like automotive and chemicals. Their data-driven approach to workforce transformation helps organizations anticipate future talent needs and implement effective upskilling strategies.​

Standout Services: A six-step methodology to align talent supply with future business demands, ensuring organizations are prepared for upcoming challenges, redesigning organizational structures to enhance agility and efficiency, including optimizing corporate functions like HR, IT, and Finance, and implementing initiatives like the 'Results Factory' to engage employees in transformation processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.​

Target industries: Automotive, chemicals, healthcare, aerospace, and financial services​

Specialties: Strategic workforce planning, organizational design, change management, digital transformation, and sustainability​

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Global presence with a diverse team of experts​
  • Comprehensive approach to workforce transformation
  • Deep industry-specific expertise​

Cons:

  • Complex service offerings​
  • May not suit all industries

Best for tech startups

  • Pricing upon request

TriNet offers HR solutions, including payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support, tailored for industries like technology, healthcare, and retail. They provide a full-service PEO and HR Plus for diverse HR needs.

Why I picked TriNet: Their focus on tech startups is evident through tailored HR solutions that address the unique challenges of fast-growing companies. TriNet offers risk mitigation and compliance tools that help your team manage payroll and benefits efficiently. Their pricing models are adaptable, making them suitable for businesses at any growth stage.

Standout Services: Their full-service PEO helps your business manage administrative tasks, freeing up time for strategic initiatives, and the HR Plus solution provides flexible HR support, ensuring your team stays compliant with changing regulations.

Target industries: Technology, healthcare, retail, professional services, and non-profits

Specialties: Payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance support, HR outsourcing, and risk mitigation

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong compliance support
  • Comprehensive benefits administration
  • Efficient payroll processing

Cons:

  • Complex service offerings
  • May not suit very large enterprises

Best for HR technology integration

  • Pricing upon request

PwC is a global professional services network renowned for delivering audit, tax, and consulting services. With a presence in over 150 countries and a workforce exceeding 364,000 professionals, PwC combines deep industry expertise with innovative technology solutions to help organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth .​

Why I picked PwC: PwC stands out for its ability to integrate multidisciplinary services—ranging from strategy and operations to technology and risk management—under one umbrella.

Standout Services: Their people analytics service provides data-driven insights into workforce trends, helping you make informed decisions. The digital HR solutions assist your team in leveraging technology to improve HR processes and employee experiences.

Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer products, and manufacturing

Specialties: HR technology solutions, workforce transformation, talent management, people analytics, and digital HR solutions

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Global network
  • Data-driven insights
  • Strong technology integration

Cons:

  • Complex service structures
  • May not suit small businesses

Best for small business compliance

  • Pricing upon request

ExtensisHR provides PEO and HR outsourcing services tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, focusing on HR management, payroll, and benefits administration. Their main client base includes industries like healthcare, technology, and non-profits. They emphasize a human-centric approach combined with technology to support diverse business needs.

Why I picked ExtensisHR: Their focus on small business compliance is evident through services like risk compliance and their PEO Premier® option, which caters to different business sizes. ExtensisHR stands out by providing tools such as HRCloud and Recruiting Cloud to handle HR tasks efficiently. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion further differentiates them in the market.

Standout Services: ExtensisHR's HR management services address core HR needs, helping your team focus on growth. Their risk compliance solutions ensure your business stays up-to-date with regulations, reducing potential liabilities.

Target industries: Healthcare, technology, non-profits, startups, and small businesses

Specialties: PEO solutions, HR outsourcing, risk compliance, benefits administration, and diversity and inclusion

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Human-centric technology
  • Responsive support team
  • Personalized approach

Cons:

  • May not suit larger enterprises
  • Limited trial information

Best for public sector expertise

  • Pricing upon request

The Segal Group provides HR and benefits consulting services, focusing on administration, compliance, and investment solutions. They cater to public sector organizations and various industries, offering tailored strategies to enhance employee well-being.

Why I picked The Segal Group: Their expertise in the public sector is evident through their tailored compliance consulting services that help your team navigate complex regulations. They offer health benefits consulting to ensure your employees receive optimal care. The Segal Group's personalized approach means your organization receives solutions that fit your specific needs.

Standout Services: Their retirement consulting services help you plan and manage employee retirement benefits effectively and the investment solutions provide guidance on managing and optimizing your organization's financial resources.

Target industries: Healthcare, education, public services, financial services, and non-profits

Specialties: Administration consulting, compliance consulting, health benefits consulting, investment solutions, and retirement consulting

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Focus on employee well-being
  • Personalized advisory services
  • Extensive public sector expertise

Cons:

  • Focus on large organizations
  • May not suit private sector

Best for employee benefits consulting

  • Pricing upon request

Mercer provides HR consulting services focusing on employee benefits, health and wellness, and talent management. They serve a diverse client base that includes organizations of all sizes, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

Why I picked Mercer: Their expertise in employee benefits consulting helps your team create effective benefits packages that attract and retain talent. Mercer offers health and wellness programs tailored to the needs of your workforce, ensuring a healthier and more engaged team. 

Standout Services: The retirement solutions help you effectively plan and manage retirement benefits, ensuring long-term security for your employees. Additionally, their global mobility services assist your company in managing employees across different countries, addressing compliance and logistical challenges. 

Target industries: Healthcare, financial services, technology, manufacturing, and energy

Specialties: Employee benefits, health and wellness, talent management, global mobility, and retirement solutions

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Global mobility solutions
  • Strong talent management focus
  • Extensive benefits expertise

Cons:

  • Focus on large enterprises
  • Complex service offerings

Focus on large organizations

  • Pricing upon request

Pearl Meyer provides strategic consulting services focused on executive compensation and leadership planning. They serve HR and corporate governance functions for organizations across various industries.

Why I picked Pearl Meyer: Pearl Meyer is one of the few HR consulting firms New York offers that concentrates solely on executive compensation. They help your team align pay strategies with long-term business goals and shareholder interests. Their services also include board-level advisory and compensation benchmarking tailored to leadership roles.

Standout Services: You can use pay equity analysis to identify gaps in compensation across your workforce and support fair pay practices that align with legal and ethical expectations. Their annual incentive plan design helps your team build short-term performance plans that reflect company goals and support executive accountability.

Target industries: banking, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and technology.

Specialties: executive compensation strategy, board of directors pay, pay equity, incentive plan design, and succession planning.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible with complex compensation structures
  • Clear communication during project phases
  • Deep focus on executive pay strategy

Cons:

  • Long onboarding process for new clients
  • Can feel too specialized for some teams

Other HR Consulting Firms New York

Here are some additional HR consulting firms in New York that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. TMF Group

    For global expansion support

  2. Astron Solutions

    For compensation management

  3. Deloitte

    For data-driven strategies

  4. HR Soul

    For culture transformation initiatives

  5. be the change HR

    For mission-driven HR support

  6. EQUAMAGNA

    For HR compliance consulting

  7. Gallagher

    For employee benefits solutions

  8. Russell Reynolds Associates

    For executive leadership recruitment

  9. Robert Half

    For temporary staffing services

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What Do HR Consulting Firms New York Do?

HR consulting firms in New York are specialized service providers that assist businesses with managing their human resources and organizational needs. They might offer things like:

  • Employee benefits administration
  • Talent acquisition and recruitment
  • Performance management systems
  • Compliance and regulatory guidance
  • Organizational development strategies.

Typically, HR consulting firms are sought out by HR departments, business leaders, and organizations facing challenges related to workforce management, compliance, and employee engagement.

These firms address core business needs like improving HR processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing employee satisfaction.

HR Consulting Firms New York Selection Criteria

When selecting the best HR consulting firms in New York to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like improving employee retention and ensuring regulatory compliance. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Employee benefits administration
  • Talent acquisition and recruitment
  • Compliance and regulatory guidance
  • Performance management systems
  • HR policy development

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Diversity and inclusion programs
  • Executive coaching and leadership development
  • Global HR solutions
  • Data analytics for HR insights
  • Customized employee wellness programs

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in the HR consulting field
  • Range of industries served
  • Case studies and success stories
  • Expertise in specific sectors
  • Client testimonials and feedback

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Clarity of onboarding process
  • Speed of service implementation
  • Availability of training resources
  • Support during initial setup
  • Customization options for onboarding

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Responsiveness to inquiries
  • Quality of support resources
  • Customer service hours
  • Feedback from existing clients

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing structures
  • Competitiveness of pricing
  • Return on investment potential
  • Discounts for bundled services
  • Client feedback on value

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly mentioned strengths
  • Areas of improvement noted
  • Comparison with competitor reviews
  • Long-term client relationships

How to Choose an HR Consulting Firm in New York

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesMake sure the provider aligns with your business goals. For example, if you're focused on talent acquisition, choose a firm with strong recruitment expertise
Service Scope and SLAsUnderstand the range of services offered and the service level agreements. Ensure they cover your specific needs, like compliance or benefits administration.
Support AvailabilityCheck if support is available when you need it. Look for 24/7 support if your team works non-traditional hours or across multiple time zones.
Costs and Pricing StructureEvaluate the pricing for transparency and fairness. Compare the cost structures against what your budget allows and the value you expect to receive.
Communication and ReportingEnsure the firm provides regular updates and clear communication. Look for providers who offer detailed reports on key metrics and performance indicators.
Industry ExperienceChoose a provider with experience in your industry. They should understand sector-specific challenges and offer tailored solutions.
CustomizationLook for firms that offer customizable solutions. This ensures the services can adapt to your unique organizational needs and culture.
Client FeedbackReview testimonials and case studies. They provide insight into the provider's reliability and client satisfaction levels.

Key HR Consulting Firms New York Services

When selecting an HR consulting firm in New York, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Talent acquisition: Effective recruitment strategies to help your team attract and hire top talent.
  • Employee benefits administration: Management of benefits programs to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Compliance and regulatory guidance: Assistance with navigating complex employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Performance management: Systems and strategies to evaluate and improve employee performance and productivity.
  • Organizational development: Strategies to improve organizational effectiveness and align HR with business goals.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Programs to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
  • Compensation management: Developing competitive pay structures to attract and retain talent.
  • HR technology integration: Implementing technology solutions to automate and enhance HR processes.
  • Leadership development: Training and coaching to develop effective leaders within your organization.
  • Employee engagement surveys: Tools to measure and improve employee engagement and satisfaction.

Benefits of HR Consulting Firms New York

Partnering with an HR consulting firm in New York offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved hiring processes: Access to expert recruitment strategies helps you attract top talent efficiently.
  • Enhanced compliance: Guidance through complex regulations ensures your business remains compliant with employment laws.
  • Increased employee satisfaction: Effective benefits administration and engagement programs boost employee morale and retention.
  • Strategic HR alignment: Organizational development services align your HR practices with business goals, enhancing overall effectiveness.
  • Leadership development: Training and coaching programs build strong leaders, driving your business forward.
  • Cost efficiency: Optimized HR processes and technology integration reduce operational costs and improve productivity.

Costs and Pricing Structures of HR Consulting Firms New York

HR consulting firms in New York typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Hourly rate: Charges are based on the number of hours worked.
  • Project-based: Costs are determined by the scope and duration of a specific project.
  • Retainer fee: A set fee is paid regularly for ongoing services.
  • Subscription-based: Clients pay a recurring fee for continuous access to services.
  • Per employee: Pricing is based on the number of employees within the organization.

Key Factors That Influence HR Consulting Firms New York Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR consulting firms in New York:

  • Level of customization: Tailored solutions require more resources and can increase costs.
  • Industry regulations: Compliance with specific industry standards can affect pricing.
  • Number of employees: Larger organizations may incur higher costs due to increased service needs.
  • Service complexity: More complex services or solutions can lead to higher expenses.
  • Geographic reach: Firms with wider reach or multiple locations might charge more.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

HR Consulting Firms New York: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about HR consulting firms in New York:

How do I choose the right HR consulting firm for my business?

Start by identifying your business’s specific HR needs, like compliance, recruitment, or employee engagement. Look for firms with experience in your industry and check their service offerings and client reviews. Consider their pricing structure and make sure it aligns with your budget. Finally, schedule consultations to see if their approach fits your company culture.

What should I expect during the onboarding process with an HR consulting firm?

During onboarding, the firm will typically assess your current HR practices and identify areas for improvement. They’ll work with your team to develop a customized plan that addresses your specific needs. Expect them to provide training and resources to help your staff adapt to new processes. Clear communication and support are key elements of a successful onboarding experience.

How do HR consulting firms help with compliance issues?

HR consulting firms assist with compliance by ensuring your business adheres to relevant employment laws and regulations. They provide guidance on policies and procedures that minimize legal risks. Firms often conduct audits to identify potential compliance gaps and offer solutions to address them. This helps protect your business from costly penalties and legal disputes.

Can HR consulting firms help improve employee engagement?

Yes, HR consulting firms can help improve employee engagement by designing programs that boost morale and productivity. Many HR analytics consultants conduct surveys to identify areas where your team feels disengaged. Then, based on the findings, they’ll recommend strategies like recognition programs or team-building activities. Improved engagement can lead to higher retention and better overall performance.

How do HR consulting firms support talent acquisition?

HR consulting firms support talent acquisition by developing recruitment strategies that attract top candidates. They may assist with job postings, candidate screening, and interview processes. These firms can also help you create competitive compensation packages to attract the best talent. Their expertise in various industries ensures that you find candidates who fit your business needs.

Are HR consulting firms suitable for small businesses?

Yes, HR consulting firms can be highly beneficial for small businesses looking to optimize their HR functions without hiring a full-time HR team. They offer flexible solutions tailored to the unique needs of small businesses, such as cost-effective compliance and recruitment services. By outsourcing HR tasks, small businesses can focus on growth and core operations.

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Finn Bartram
By Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.