Health Economics and Outcomes Research has been a foundation specialism within life sciences consulting for decades. But the role HEOR plays inside consulting firms — and the talent required to deliver it — has evolved considerably. If you're working in this space and wondering what the market looks like right now, here's what we're seeing.
Why HEOR demand has held firm
The core drivers of HEOR demand haven't changed. Payers across Europe and the US continue to require robust health economic evidence to support reimbursement decisions. The complexity of that evidence requirement — particularly as HTA bodies raise their methodological expectations — means that pharmaceutical and biotech companies need specialist consulting support to get it right.
What has changed is the breadth of what falls under the HEOR umbrella. Real-world evidence, patient-reported outcomes, economic modelling, value dossier development — the scope has expanded significantly and firms are building teams that cover the full spectrum.
HEOR isn't a niche within Market Access consulting anymore. For many firms it's the core of their value proposition and the primary reason clients come to them.
What the job market looks like at different levels
At Consultant and Senior Consultant level, demand for HEOR professionals remains consistent across both boutique specialist firms and larger global consultancies. This is where most volume hiring happens and where firms are most willing to bring in people from academic or pharma backgrounds who have strong technical skills even without pure consulting experience.
At Engagement Manager and Principal level the market tightens. Firms want people who combine technical HEOR credibility with the ability to manage projects, lead client relationships and develop junior talent. At Partner level the ask shifts again — technical depth is assumed and the focus moves to winning and growing client relationships.
Salary expectations
HEOR salaries across life sciences consulting have risen as demand has outpaced supply of experienced talent. At Consultant level in the UK you'd typically expect a base in the region of 45 to 65 thousand pounds depending on firm size and location. Senior Consultant roles sit broadly in the 65 to 90 thousand range. Engagement Managers and Principals vary considerably by firm but the 90 to 130 thousand plus package range is broadly representative. Partner compensation is more varied and increasingly performance-linked.
What firms want beyond the technical skills
Every firm hiring in HEOR will tell you they want strong technical skills. What separates the candidates who get offers from those who don't is usually something less tangible — communication skills, client presence, the ability to translate complex health economic concepts into clear strategic advice for a non-specialist audience. Consulting is fundamentally a client-facing business and HEOR expertise that can't be communicated clearly has limited commercial value.