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Pay at AFS will be more standardized than at BAH. On the flip side, both the comp extremes at BAH are generally significantly lower and higher than AFS.
If you're looking for anything tech related, AFS is generally stronger, though BAH is building its capabilities in that area. Otherwise, BAH is generally on par or better.
I believe benefits are pretty comparable between the two (I've never been at AFS, so I'm just speaking from hearsay), though I think BAH has a better 401k. BAH is known for WLB, while AFS isn't at that level.
The biggest downside to BAH is also one of its biggest upsides--the variability of work. BAH does a ton of bottom tier staff aug across the government that pays like crap, but also does legitimately cool stuff that pays really well. While staff aug is a fact of life at every major contracting firm, BAH does comparatively more of it than the others, so it can be challenging when you're hired to make sure you're on a good project. Once you're in, it can be tough to jump admin chains and clients/projects, but if you're on a good one from the get-go, you're set.
Keep in mind the length of the engagement... Even if you get a good project know you'll need to figure something out after that... Either changing a job or taking a crap project.
What’s your skill set? Accenture is better in IT implementation and their compensation must be slightly better too I guess. Booz has great WLB.
Skill set is in tech implementation. Thank you for your response. Really helps me out.
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As mentioned, AFS has better IT rep- good benefits across the board (6% 401k, ESPP, bonuses, parental leave)- and AFS will hand out $ YoY if they value you. It is tougher to fit in as an experienced hire, especially if you don’t “live to work”- but as they’ve grown this has lessened to an extent. If you want WLB- Booz wins.
Booz Allen does 6% match and ESPP, parental leave those are standard at most places aren’t they? We will also pay out for tech positions. I have given out $20-$30K raises to awesome staff.
Formerly at Booz, currently at AFS.
There honestly wasn’t much I disliked about BAH. The projects were interesting and high-impact. They really encouraged moving around to different teams to gain and leverage different experiences. Being involved in BD and hiring committees was kind of the signal you’re ready for the next step up - great way to build up careers IMO. The people and culture are awesome. I looked forward to coming in to the office every day because I was working with friends who were also super smart and capable. Very transparent leadership from my POV. Only downside was pay. I didn’t feel valued from a compensation perspective until I told them I was leaving - then they wanted to throw the big bucks my way. It was hard to say no.
AFS is great too. I cringe at the culture sometimes and feel like more people have their “guards” up and try to put on their “best selves” instead of being real and authentic every day. Makes it harder to connect on a personal level. I get more of the in-and-out vibe on my project - again not a lot of personal connection during the day, just work. It’s also more difficult to move around different projects. It’s not encouraged/championed as much as it is at BAH. However pay is off the charts compared the Booz. I felt valued in terms of compensation from day 1. I also think the overall expertise and implementation of certain technologies are leagues ahead of what I saw at Booz, even though Booz has the overall larger footprint in the federal space.
I’d rate them the following:
People: BAH > AFS
Culture: BAH > AFS
Pay: AFS > Booz
Expertise\Proficiency: AFS > Booz
Prestige: =
Impact: =
Benefits: =
WLB: = (never more than 40 hours/week)
This is all my personal opinion. Can’t go wrong with either. Your experience will be very much dependent on the project you get staffed on.
Lmk if you have any other questions!
Hi I just saw your post can I ask what level you were at BAH and AFS and what the pay difference was?
Hey my team is hiring one right now? Need an interview?