A random sample of 8,009 research university professors' paid consulting work was examined from the local-cosmopolitan framework. Analysis of the results, using four levels of consulting (none, mild, moderate, active) showed that: (1) 54 percent devote some portion of their normal work week to consulting; (2) the most active consultants (about 5 percent of the population) were politically the most conservative professors, started consulting at a younger age and continued longer, earned more but were least satisfied with their salary, felt less influential in department governance, and had more offers to move but were in fact less mobile; and (3) in contrast to nonconsultants, mild and moderate consultants published more, maintained more network connections, most effectively integrated their consulting role with governance and teaching and research, and appear to be more satisfied with their careers. A brief bibliography, tables, and diagrams are included. (Author/MSE)