Data from the Graduate Management Admission Council's 2020 survey found that MBA graduates earn 115% higher salaries than their colleagues with bachelor's degrees. Professionals who completed undergraduate studies but are considering going back to get their MBA can select from myriad specialties to build advanced, niche knowledge in their chosen field.
Before committing to more studies, however, prospective students should learn about salary outcomes. Keep reading to learn about the highest paying jobs for MBA graduates.
[click_table instance="6102dc4fac7e990008e21351"]
Highest Paying MBA Careers
1. Computer and Information Systems Managers
Also known as information technology managers, these professionals oversee all activities related to computers within their companies. They determine computing needs, create update plans, change out old machinery as needed, and ensure networks remain secure.
2. Financial Managers
Financial managers ensure their companies stay profitable and financially healthy long-term. Typical responsibilities include overseeing investments, creating plans around short- and long-term financial goals, overseeing other financial staff, and creating reports highlighting financial activities.
3. Sales Managers
Sales managers oversee the sales activities of their organizations, setting goals for sales representatives and ensuring they are met by providing ongoing training and performance reviews. They also work closely with marketing managers to create strategies for increasing sales.
4. Compensation and Benefits Managers
Situated within the realm of human resources, compensation and benefits managers develop and manage the structures used to set pay rates and administer benefits to employees. They identify vendors to provide benefits, monitor regulations to ensure compliance, and create budgets.
5. Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers oversee the administration of companies. They handle the hiring and firing of staff, manage training programs, oversee benefits, and consult with departments on human resources issues such as employee discipline, sexual harassment, and other challenges.
6. Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers ensure employees receive the continuing education needed to excel in their roles. In addition to working with outside educational vendors that provide training sessions, these professionals also lead training based on organizational goals and desired outcomes.
7. Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
These professionals are responsible for ensuring the name of their company gets in front of potential and current clients. They create marketing plans, book advertising slots across media platforms, develop promotional materials, and work with other professionals to keep the company aligned to marketing goals.
8. Top Executives
Also known as C-level professionals, these employees may be CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, or other top-level administrators. They oversee others on their team, create departmental budgets, manage strategic planning initiatives, and work with other C-level employees to maintain synergy within the company.
9. Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings to oversee administrative functions. They may manage hiring processes and training programs, oversee budgetary matters, and liaise with other managers on staffing needs.
10. Management Analysts
Whether working in-house for a single company or in a consulting role for several clients, management analysts look for ways to improve organizational outcomes. They look for ways to increase profit and reduce costs, address personnel issues, and create new solutions and procedures that make companies run more smoothly.
Highest Paying States for MBA Graduates
Wages can vary substantially based on where you live and how much it costs to live in that place. For instance, an MBA graduate living in Seattle will likely earn more than one living in Omaha, but they will also spend more on things like housing.
What Is The Best MBA Specialization?
While there is objectively no best MBA specialization, there are individual best specializations based on student interests and career aspirations. Carefully consider which option best matches the job you hope to gain after graduating.