Target Utilization by Industry
Target utilization varies by role and industry. Consulting and professional services: 70–80%. Software development: 65–75% (lower to allow for learning and innovation). Sales: measured differently via quota attainment. Creative agencies: 60–70%.
The hidden cost of low utilization: a 10-person team at 60% utilization vs 75% represents 60 hours of unused capacity per week. At $150/hr, that's $432K of annual revenue left on the table.
70–80%
Target utilization (consulting)
65–75%
Target utilization (software)
20–30%
Healthy non-billable overhead
85%+
Burnout risk threshold