Top 15 High-Paying Jobs for MBA Graduates
Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree opens the door to many management-level career opportunities, an extensive network of other business professionals, and some of the highest salaries in the job market. Wondering what jobs you can get with an MBA? This article explores some of the best career options for professionals with this advanced degree.
What Is an MBA?
An MBA degree is a competitive higher education program for students who want to pursue a career in a business setting. Core courses are packed with essential learning in areas such as management, marketing, accounting, finance, and leadership, while also developing expertise in managing human capital, effective communication, ethical leadership, and global business perspectives. Graduates come away equipped to lead teams, make data-driven decisions, and guide organizations strategically. Completing the degree opens the door to a variety of positions for MBA graduates seeking high-paying, leadership roles in business.
15 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with an MBA
Careers for MBA graduates span nearly every industry. Exploring MBA career paths and salaries can help students identify areas that align with their skills and goals while understanding employment prospects in today’s competitive market.
1. Investment Banker
Investment bankers play a key role in helping organizations raise capital, manage financial transactions, and pursue growth opportunities. It’s a challenging and dynamic career for financial managers with a passion for strategy and problem-solving—and they often find themselves exceeding a typical 40-hour work week. These professionals typically earn a bachelor’s degree before starting their investment banking career.
Investment banker responsibilities include:
Developing financial models to value debt and equity for mergers and acquisitions.
Giving recommendations for product developments and private equity transactions.
Preparing and reviewing materials used in the finances of clients such as management presentations and pitchbooks.
Generating relationships with new clients and nurturing existing relationships to grow the business.
Performing research, analysis, and documentation of transactions.
Creating presentations for clients.
Investment bankers’ annual pay is based on two components: salary and bonuses. An analyst, which is an entry-level position, can expect to earn an average salary of $85,000 to $100,000, but they may also be eligible for bonuses on top of their high salary. Associates and director-level bankers’ salaries and bonuses are significantly higher, so MBA students who are looking for a very high-paying career should consider this track.
2. Accountant
Accounting offers a stable, respected career path with high earning potential, strong job security, and a variety of industry options. For these compelling reasons, accounting is a smart career path for MBA graduates. Accountants manage and interpret financial records for individual clients, small businesses, and corporations. Common responsibilities include:
Ensuring financial documents are accurate and compliant with laws and regulations.
Assessing financial activities to align with best practices.
Preparing and interpreting company financial reports.
Filing tax returns accurately and on time.
Identifying financial issues and recommending solutions.
Strategizing ways to reduce costs and maximize profits.
Forecasting potential financial risks.
MBA grads entering accounting can expect starting salaries of around $81,660 a year on average. Management-level accountants can earn mid-to-high six figures, so there is significant room for salary growth in this profession.
3. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts help individuals and corporations make investment decisions through financial plans, forecasting, and analytics. An MBA or related master’s degree is a must for advancing in this career field and can prepare accountants for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam.
Common responsibilities of a financial analyst include:
Creating financial plans.
Tracking an organization’s performance against the financial plan.
Analyzing business performance and market conditions.
Creating financial forecasts.
Helping senior management make strategic business decisions.
Providing financial reports.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $101,350 for financial analysts. With the demand for financial analyst increasing due to emerging world markets, this career field is projected to grow by 9% over a decade.
4. Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and oversee the administrative processes and staffing of an organization. These professionals must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to have success in their career, though, like many other careers in business, those who seek an MBA are better equipped for this role. The daily responsibilities of an HR manager include:
Overseeing recruiting, interviewing, and hiring.
Coordinating staff to best leverage their talents and skills.
Creating a workplace environment conducive to job satisfaction, safety, and overall success of the organization.
Planning and implementing employee benefit programs.
Acting as a consultant on human resources issues, including equal employment and sexual harassment.
Coordinating the work of contractors and specialists.
Overseeing any staffing issues that arise, including performance improvement plans and disciplinary procedures.
The BLS reports a median salary of $140,030 per year for human resources managers. In addition to an attractive salary, human resources managers can look forward to 6% job growth from 2023 to 2033, which is higher than average.
5. Business Operations Manager
Business operations managers help companies run smoothly and profitably. It’s an essential role for helping companies of all sizes, both for-profit and nonprofit, achieve their goals. This career offers opportunities in nearly every industry, making it a versatile and valuable path. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field such as accounting or economics is typically required. Those who have earned an MBA may be well-positioned to move into a business operations manager role.
Key responsibilities of business operations managers include:
Providing support to keep business systems running properly.
Helping an organization’s departments meet predetermined quality standards.
Maximizing the efficiency of processes.
Assisting in establishing product or service KPIs and quality standards.
Forecasting potential issues of daily business operations.
Creating processes that help move a business towards its goals.
Monitoring financial data to ensure profitability.
Collaborating with the human resources department to align hiring with company objectives.
Business operations managers earn a median salary of $101,280 as reported by the BLS. This career has a wide salary range, with the bottom 10% of professionals earning $46,340 a year and the top 25% earning $160,290. There is ample room for salary growth in this field, as well as the potential to earn more depending on geographical location.
6. Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts compile and analyze financial data to make predictions and strategic recommendations to the senior management of an organization. These professionals typically hold a bachelor’s degree in statistics, business administration, or a related field. Many pursue an MBA to expand their career opportunities.
Responsibilities of a business intelligence analyst include:
Gathering and analyzing industry data.
Assessing competitors’ products and services.
Using business intelligence data to optimize customer experiences.
Identifying opportunities for new product development.
Leveraging business intelligence data and industry trends to provide recommendations to senior management.
Compiling company financial data for review by executives and stakeholders.
ZipRecruiter reports that business intelligence analysts make an average annual salary of around $99,864. Salaries can range between $76,000 on the low end with top earners making $148,500 annually across the United States.
7. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts monitor a company’s spending and create budget reports to help them create profitable financial plans for the future. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is required to work as a business analyst. MBA seekers will be at a decisive advantage with many potential employers.
The job duties of a budget analyst include:
Assessing the effectiveness of budget proposals.
Helping develop budgets for projects.
Determining value through cost-benefit analyses.
Examining funding requests.
Ensuring budget proposals are compliant with regulations.
Collaborating with management to form budget recommendations and developing a final agreement.
Making sure company spending aligns with the budget.
Forecasting future financial needs.
The BLS reports a median annual pay of $87,930 for budget analysts.
8. Sales Manager
Sales managers lead teams of sales professionals, and implement strategies to attract and retain customers. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree, although some employers accept entry-level employees without one. Higher levels of education can lead to greater success in this role.
A sales manager’s responsibilities include:
Overseeing the company’s sales operations.
Meeting or exceeding sales KPIs set by senior management.
Collaborating with the demand generation department to generate qualified leads.
Building and motivating a high-performing sales team.
Innovating sales strategies to drive more high-value sales.
Setting accurate new customer expectations.
Sales managers earn around $138,060 a year based on the median salary for this profession, as reported by the BLS.
9. IT Manager
Information technology (IT) managers use cutting edge technology to shape strategy and generate value for a company. To work as an IT manager, professionals earn a bachelor’s in business administration or a related field such as information technology, computer science, or management information systems.
The daily tasks of an IT manager consist of:
Overseeing IT staff.
Managing a company’s computer systems and IT strategy.
Evaluating electronic data operations.
Running frequent checks on the company’s cybersecurity.
Constantly improving and updating software and computer systems.
Building and reporting on system updates and plans with senior-level staff.
The BLS reports a median salary of $171,200 for this role. The job outlook for IT managers is highly favorable with a projected growth of 17% over a decade.
10. Business Consultant
Business consultants provide expert business advice in a specialized area to an organization’s senior leadership. Many work as independent contractors rather than internal employees and offer strategic recommendations in areas such as security, accounting, human resources, marketing, engineering, digital transformation, exit planning, and more. The minimum education requirement for business consultants is typically a bachelor’s degree, but those who hold an MBA may be positioned to earn higher salaries and take on more complex roles.
Responsibilities of this profession include:
Organizing and providing recommendations on business projects on behalf of clients.
Meeting with clients and delivering performance updates on various initiatives.
Assessing client needs and conducting research to present solutions.
Analyzing data and forecasting potential challenges.
Creating strategies that help clients reach their goals.
Collaborating with clients to design effective business plans.
Providing guidance when problems or discrepancies arise.
PayScale reports an average salary of $83,302 for business management consultants. Salary ranges from around $72,233 for new business consultants to around $101,863 for those later in their careers.
11. Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for developing and overseeing the products a company brings to market. They own the functionality and strategy of a product and ensure that it meets customer needs. To work at a managerial level, product managers need a bachelor’s degree and years of experience or an MBA.
A product manager’s responsibilities include:
Defining the scope and objectives of product-related projects.
Managing resources effectively and efficiently.
Establishing a budget that covers the scope of company projects.
Tracking costs to ensure they align with the budget.
Overseeing project schedules and work plans.
Providing updates and progress reports to senior management.
Applying industry best practices in product development and public release.
Monitoring progress of the product team and making adjustments as needed.
Glassdoor estimates that product managers make a median salary of around $147,000 per year. The top five highest-paying industries for this career field are financial services, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, energy, and legal.
12. Policy Analyst
Policy analysts are public service professionals who study political systems and evaluate how current and future laws impact individuals and communities. Most policy analyst roles require a minimum of a master’s degree, as this field relies heavily on research and analytical skills.
A policy analyst is typically responsible for:
Evaluating existing policies using specialized knowledge.
Determining whether policies are meeting predetermined goals.
Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure policies include all essential factors.
Defining benefits and potential disadvantages of political frameworks.
Ensuring that policies meet legal requirements.
Proposing new policies or recommending amendments to current ones.
Documenting policy processes and reporting findings to stakeholders.
The average annual salary for a policy analyst is $86,535 per year according to Indeed. Salaries vary according to education, experience level, and whether the role is within government, nonprofit, or private sector organizations.
13. Marketing Manager
Marketing managers oversee all of a business’s marketing programs, from strategy to execution. They monitor market demand and lead teams of marketers to engage and influence customers across multiple channels. While a bachelor’s degree is typically required for this role, earning an MBA will help marketing managers advance more quickly in their careers.
A marketing manager’s responsibilities include:
Determining the marketability of a company’s products or services.
Leveraging creative communication skills to influence customers through channels such as social media, television, billboards, newspapers, print, and more.
Creating and managing marketing plans, complete with goals and projected outcomes.
Establishing and adhering to marketing budgets.
Developing an expert understanding of company target audiences and tailoring strategies accordingly.
Managing a company’s public image and addressing issues when they arise.
According to BLS, marketing managers earn an average annual salary of $126,960. This role offers strong opportunities for advancement and leadership, with an above-average growth rate of 8% projected over a decade.
14. Chief Financial Officer
Chief financial officers (CFOs) are senior-level executives who oversee all financial operations of an organization, including planning, management, reporting, and risk analysis. It typically takes years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance to secure this title. However, an MBA can accelerate the path to this executive-level role.
Owning and managing an entire company's financial planning.
Practicing risk management by weighing the company’s liabilities and investments.
Driving the financial strategy of the business.
Deciding on profitable or strategic investment opportunities.
A CFO's compensation typically reflects their high level of responsibility, with an average annual salary of $206,420. This figure varies based on company size, industry, location, and experience. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and other forms of equity.
15. Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officers (CEOs) are the top executives responsible for guiding the overall vision and long-term strategy of a company. Most CEOs hold at least a bachelor’s degree and need ample management experience to rise to this level. An MBA equips future CEOs with the vision and decision-making skills to guide organizations at the highest level.
CEOs wear many hats, but their primary responsibilities include:
Acting as the face of a company and communicating to shareholders, government bodies, and the public.
Creating and leading a company’s short and long-term strategies.
Determining and upholding a company’s mission and business goals.
Keeping their finger on the pulse of important market trends, expansion opportunities, and industry news.
Maintaining high social responsibility with business dealings.
Salary.com reports a CEO median salary of $810,724. Top CEOs earn upwards of $929,951 a year, making this one of the highest-paying careers in business.
Pursue an Online MBA with WGU
In addition to opening the door to numerous high-paying career options, earning an MBA from WGU provides a wide range of long-term benefits.
Increased Earning Potential
Many of the careers highlighted above can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree, but earning an MBA can significantly boost income potential and career advancement opportunities. In fact, a Graduate Management Admission Council survey projects an average starting salary of $120,000 for MBA graduates.
Career Acceleration
Earning an MBA can fast-track professional advancement, helping graduates reach leadership roles in less time, rather than relying solely on years of work experience. This degree can open the door to quicker promotions, broader career options, and the flexibility to transition into a new field. MBA graduates often command higher salaries earlier in their careers, accelerating both earning potential and opportunities for career advancement.
Networking Potential
WGU’s MBA Course Instructors are highly experienced, well-connected, and accomplished professionals in the business field. Along with an education and degree, MBA students enter a network of connections that can help build valuable professional relationships and support future career opportunities.
Develop In-Demand Skills
WGU’s MBA degree program equips students with the in-demand skills that top companies are looking for. Some WGU graduates have secured positions at leading corporations such as Goldman Sachs, Google, MGM, Microsoft, Apple and more.
Shorter Completion Time
WGU's competency-based model allows students to progress through coursework as fast as they are able. Upon demonstrating mastery of the material, students advance next course. The flexibility to work around their schedule means not leaving a current job to pursue business school or adhere to set log-in times or class times. Many students complete WGU’s online MBA program in just one year.
Ready to start a successful career in business? Learn more about WGU's online MBA degree program and apply today.
