Low compensation, stressful workplace - Senior Associate Exponent Employee Review

2.0
May 20, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work with talent people. Exposure to diverse projects.

Cons

Very low base salaries (around 120k) and yearly bonuses around 5-10k for associate/senior associate Toxic atmosphere of work/project allocation. Stressful to find work to do.

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Exponent Response
5y
We have a total compensation philosophy. Associate and Senior Associates earn a competitive base salary plus they are paid one times their hourly rate for hours beyond 40 in a week when they are highly billable on client projects. In addition they earn an annual bonus which is tied to their personal performance. Employees who contribute high value to their internal and external clients and colleagues reap excellent financial rewards. Additionally Exponent contributes 7% of base salary to the employee's 401(k) every year without requiring an employee contribution. Sally Shepard, CHRO

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Mar 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits and great culture

Cons

Inconsistent workload but partly due to the nature of the business

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2.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Many consultants successfully use Exponent as a stepping stone to larger tech companies. The project work can sometimes be very interesting and some consultants appreciate overtime and bonuses for long hours (albeit many feel they would earn more overall compensation at larger tech companies).

Cons

The company has very high expectations of its consultants and doesn't always provide the resources necessary to achieve their expectations. In order to grow after the first few years, consultants are generally expected to generate their own business, but some junior consultants feel they are not fairly given credit for business they help bring in. Many consultants feel the performance rewards are too delayed.

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