What is the Salary for a Sales Representative?

The average yearly salary for a sales representative in 2021 is about $57,000, but that number can vary greatly. The size of the company you work for, the product or service you are selling, and the commission you can make off of sales all directly impact how much you can earn. Having a higher education degree can also help you earn more money as a sales representative. It’s expected that by 2028, over 20,000 more sales representative jobs will open up in the United States. If you’re pursuing a business management degree, a career in sales could be a great path for you to follow. Your coursework will give you experience in finance, accounting, and marketing which can help you as a sales employee.

What is the Salary for a Banker?

The kind of banking you choose to do will greatly impact your salary level. As of 2020, personal bankers or tellers make an average of $32,620 per year according to the BLS. Commercial bankers earn an average salary of around $91,000 per year, and investment bankers earn more than $101,000 per year. This greatly depends on where you work, the kinds of clients you handle, and more. Your degree can help you earn more money as well. The BLS says that financial services jobs like banking are expected to grow 4% by 2030, about as fast as the national average. Business management programs focus on accounting and finance, both of which will be crucial in helping you prepare for a banking career.

What is the Salary for a Financial Advisor?

The average salary for financial advisors in 2021 is around $60,000 per year, with the top 10% of the profession making more than $111,000 per year. Financial advisors often work on commission, so their salary level will depend on the number of clients they have. The profession is expected to grow 7% by 2028, a bit faster than the national average. A business management career is ideal for financial advisors because it will help them learn about finances, as well as give them strategies for finding new clients and connecting with them. Accounting, economics, and finance courses in a business management bachelor's degree program can help you be prepared for this career.

What is the Salary for a Manager?

Managers make an average annual salary of $109,760, according to the BLS, but this can vary. Your level of education, the number of people you manage, and the size of your organization will all impact your salary level. Managers are always needed in organizations, so the job outlook for this field is good. If you want to be a manager, it’s important to find a field you’re passionate about and gain some experience so you can work your way up.

5 Careers For Business Management Degree Graduates

Q: What is Business Management?

Business management is a broad term that refers to the discipline of managing the operations of or within a business. While it’s difficult to give an exact business management definition, it generally entails coordinating and organizing general or specific business activities to help the organization thrive. It’s not uncommon for a business manager to have several direct reports who manage specific areas of the business. Someone working in business management can oversee activities ranging from strategic and financial planning to production, resource management, and marketing. They can also work in specific fields or areas of a business. For instance, one business management professional might work in manufacturing while another may be in charge of all finances. Regardless of title or focus area, everything a person in business management does has the objective of helping the business succeed. It should also be noted that in business management, a good manager strives not only to help the business, but also support the employees responsible for building it.

Q: What is a Business Management Degree?

Business management is a versatile degree program pathway that can prepare you for a wide variety of industries. Every industry and every company utilizes best business practices to run smoothly, so with a business management degree you can work in almost any industry.

Q: What Industries Can You Work in With a Business Management Degree?

Some popular industries for business management include: Finance Healthcare operations Manufacturing Retail Nonprofit Government Private companies With this degree program, the door is wide open for you. You can choose the industry and position you are passionate about, and utilize your knowledge of business practices to help advance your career and create growth for a company.

Q: Can a Business Management Degree Set You Apart When Looking for Jobs?

Employers highly value bachelor's degree graduates when searching for employees, and many employment opportunities today will require at least a bachelor's degree in order to be qualified. Whatever industry you're interested in, employers and executives can see great value in a business management bachelor's degree program graduate.

Q: What Careers Can You Pursue with a Business Management Degree?

While a bachelor's degree in business management can help you progress your career on many different paths, there are some popular options that many graduates gravitate toward with this degree. Some of the best and most popular business management careers include: Sales representative Operations manager Banker Financial advisor Manager

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By Noelle Graf, Senior Copywriter

Sep 4, 2025

For many students, earning a bachelor's degree in business management is the key to advancing their careers and opening doors to new opportunities. This versatile degree provides a strong foundation in essential areas of business such as accounting, operations, marketing, and human resources. Through coursework, students gain both knowledge and practical experience, equipping them with the skills employers look for in today’s dynamic job market.

If you’ve ever wondered what jobs you can get with a business management degree, this guide explores five popular career paths to help you understand your career options, set goals, and prepare for your future business career.

What Is Business Management?

Business management is the practice of overseeing the daily operations of an organization to align with long-term goals. At its core, the role involves coordinating, leading, and monitoring business functions so a company can operate efficiently and achieve its goals.

Professionals in business management may be responsible for guiding multiple departments or teams such as finance, operations, human resources, and marketing, ensuring that each department works cohesively. A business manager might also focus on one area of expertise and direct the big-picture strategies like financial planning and company growth, or in specialized areas like production, staffing, and process improvement.

Across industries, the goal of business management is to help both the organization and its employees thrive. Strong managers are able to achieve both goals, ensuring that the business is competitive while teams feel motivated and supported.

What Is a Business Management Degree?

A business management degree is a versatile program designed to prepare students for leadership roles across a wide range of industries. Because every organization relies on best practices to operate smoothly, this degree prepares students for career opportunities in fields from finance to healthcare, technology, ecommerce, and nonprofit.

With a broad curriculum, business management degrees and related business management programs provide students with a high-level overview as well as hands-on experience in essential areas of business. Coursework typically covers:

Accounting and finance
Organizational behavior
Logistics and operations
Strategic and critical thinking
Human resource management
Marketing and sales
Principles of economics
Project management
Communications
Values-based leadership
Change management

In addition to traditional universities, online and competency-based formats make it possible to earn a degree while balancing work and gaining valuable business experience. Whether the goal is a bachelor’s degree as a first step, a master’s degree in management and leadership, or an MBA, the knowledge gained in these degree programs provides a strong foundation for pursuing a variety of business management careers.

What Industries Can You Work in With a Business Management Degree?

One of the greatest advantages of a business management degree is its flexibility. Because every industry depends on strong leadership and efficient operations, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities to choose from.

Some of the most popular industries for business management careers include:

Finance: Banking, investment, financial services
Healthcare operations: Hospital administration, clinical managers, health information management
Manufacturing: Production management, supply chain management, logistics
Retail: Store management, e-commerce, customer service
Nonprofit: Fundraising, community program management
Government: Public policy, administration
Private companies: Sales, supply chain, technology

From financial oversight to policy initiatives and technology advancement, these roles showcase the versatility of a business management degree. One of the greatest advantages of a business management degree is the flexibility it offers, allowing business professionals to apply their knowledge of leadership, strategy, and organizational growth and drive success in nearly any field.

Can a Business Management Degree Set You Apart When Looking for Jobs?

Employers place high value on candidates with bachelor's degree graduates, and in many industries, it has become the minimum requirement for management jobs. A business management degree signifies skills in leadership, strategy, and organizational growth that can help job seekers stand out in a competitive market.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), hiring for the Class of 2025 is expected to rise by 7.3% overall, with particularly strong growth of 17.8% in finance, insurance, and real estate sectors. Similarly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1.2 million openings in management occupations each year. Many of these roles require a bachelor’s degree and carry high earning potential—around $122,000 annually. The combination of employer demand, job stability, and high salaries indicates a strong return on investment for business management graduates.

What Careers Can You Pursue with a Business Management Degree?

While a bachelor's degree in business management can open the door to a wide range of paths, many graduates pursue management jobs in fields like supply chain management, risk management, business analysis, human resources, and project management. Explore these popular career fields below.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain managers oversee the flow of goods and services, from raw materials and production to distribution and delivery. They’re responsible for ensuring the process is smooth, efficient, and cost-effective. Professionals in this role may negotiate contracts, monitor inventory, and manage supplier relationships.

Because supply chains are closely tied to logistics, technology, and global operations, a strong background in operations, project management, and strategic planning is essential. A business management program like a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management can prepare graduates for this increasingly vital area of today’s global economy.

How Much Does a Supply Chain Manager Make?

Supply chain managers earn an average annual salary of around $130,000, though this can vary based on experience, education, skill level, industry, location, and company size. Having a master’s degree, supply chain certificate, or additional certifications such as ASCM Certified Supply Chain Professional can further improve employability and earning potential. As global logistics becomes increasingly complex and e-commerce continues to rise, supply chain managers will be in demand. The field is projected to grow 19% by 2033 with an average of around 26,100 job openings per year over a decade.

Risk Management

Risk managers identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks that could impact an organization. They analyze factors that could expose the company to financial, operational, or reputational risks, then implement strategies to minimize them. Professionals in this role often work closely with other departments like IT, legal, and human resources to implement risk management policies and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

A focus on business management, especially in areas like finance, operations, and technology, is essential in this role. While some risk managers specialize in areas like cybersecurity and information assurance, a business management degree also provides a strong foundation for this role.

How Much Does a Risk Manager Make?

The exact income of a risk manager can vary based on several factors, including employer, location, years of experience, education, and obtained certifications such as Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM). On average, this is a lucrative career with an average annual salary of around $99,000. Under the umbrella of information security analysts, risk managers can expect an exceptional 33% projected growth from 2023 to 2033. This is largely due to high demand for innovative solutions to risk mitigation in an increasingly technological business world.

Business Analyst

Business analysts bridge the gap between business and IT. They optimize processes, systems, services, and products by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting relevant data. They then deliver data-driven insights to help organizations achieve their objectives. This role is ideal for professionals with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and an interest in finding innovative solutions for complex business issues.

Many business analysts complement a bachelor’s degree in business management or data analytics with a master’s degree in business administration and professional certifications such as IIBA's Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). Combined with several years of experience, these advanced credentials can position them for more senior leadership roles.

How Much Does a Business Analyst Make?

Business analysts earn an average annual salary of around $101,000, with a wide salary range of $59,000 to $174,000. This is largely dependent on experience and education, but industry also plays a significant factor. Science and IT fields are at the top end of the salary scale while finance, insurance, and government roles fall within the lower to middle range. With a positive job outlook of 11% growth over a decade, business analysts are well-poised for employment and career growth.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources (HR) managers play a vital role in shaping workplace culture. They oversee HR operations like recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, and company policy, while also ensuring compliance with labor laws and industry regulations. HR managers also work to address employee concerns and make efforts to boost job satisfaction and employee retention.

HR managers often begin their career with a bachelor’s degree in business management. As they advance professionally, pursuing a master’s degree in human resource management or a business leadership certificate can guide them into leadership roles. Additionally, credentials such as the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) are highly valued by employers.

How Much Does a Human Resources Manager Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earn an average annual salary of $140,000. HR managers working in IT fields may earn higher wages. This career field is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033 with around 17,400 openings each year. The demand is expected to remain steady, and some organizations are choosing to outsource HR services rather than employ them internally.

Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for planning and executing projects from start to finish. They work in a variety of industries like construction, technology, and healthcare to manage teams, budgets, and timelines. A successful project manager needs strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, and prioritizes balancing project goals and stakeholder expectations within practical parameters.

A strong foundation in operations and leadership, acquired through a bachelor’s degree in business management, sets project managers up for foundational success. Earning additional credentials like a project management certificate or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification equips candidates with practical tools and strategies—like project planning and Agile methodology—to stand out in a competitive job market.

How Much Does a Project Manager Make?

As with most careers, project management salaries vary depending on experience, education, certifications, skill level, industry, and growth. Project managers earn an average annual salary of around $100,000 with potential to earn more or less depending on the factors above. This career field has a projected growth of 7% from 2023 to 2033—or around 77,000 openings each year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that project managers will be in particularly high demand in computer systems and IT projects.

Earning a Business Management Degree with WGU

Earning a business management degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. It provides the credibility, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced job market. Whether you’re interested in leading teams, working across diverse industries, or building a strong foundation for future advancement, a business management degree from WGU can give you the confidence and tools to succeed.

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5 Jobs for Business Management Degree Graduates