What are the best MBA careers you can get with your new degree? Compare top career options and see how to best specialize your degree for the job market.
Earning an MBA may be tough, but it rightfully has to be demanding to help prepare you for the real world high stakes and high rewards game of business.
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Some of the exciting options for MBA may see you making over $100,000 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Are the 10 Best MBA Careers?
These are the 10 best MBA careers. Click on one that interests you to jump to that section.
- Chief Technology Officer – $208,000
- Information Technology Director – $208,000
- Marketing Manager – $191,760
- Computer and Information Systems Manager – $191,470
- Financial Manager – $186,030
- Business Operations Manager – $161,190
- Investment Fund Manager – $155,570
- Health Services Manager – $139,650
- Management Consultant – $116,710
- Operations Research Analyst – $107,720
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, each of these career opportunities are in high demand in a wide variety of industries.
Chief Technology Officer – $208,000
The Chief Technology Officer is the title given to the individual who is in charge of the scientific and technological advancement of an organization.
They are responsible for ensuring that the company is utilizing reliable and up-to-date technology relevant to the processes of the company, including the creation and maintenance of a technology infrastructure based on employed hardware or software systems.
This position may be perfect for scientifically minded analytical individuals, who have a genuine interest in technology that includes but are not limited to computers as well as a need to keep up with the latest trends and advancements.
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An MBA with a specialization in Information Technology may put you at an advantage, but a general MBA with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Management, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or other related degrees may also give you the qualifications you need.
The median salary for Chief Technology Officers is $185,950, depending on the industry. The highest paid 25% receive upward of $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This is what earning an MBA is all about if you strive to be near the top of the career ladder.
Information Technology Director – $208,000
The Information Technology Director is in charge of all the information systems that a company utilizes. They are responsible for managing the information and computer systems of the company.
The tasks and responsibilities involved may include installation, maintenance, and upgrading of hardware and all related software that are used for production, logistics, communication, or any other purpose the company may deem fit.
The Information Technology Director will typically oversee the IT department and all its functions.
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This position may be ideal for individuals who have a deep interest in computer technology and its management as well as have an analytical mind that excels in problem-solving.
An MBA with a specialized focus on Information Systems or Information Technology may be preferred by companies, but a general MBA together with a Bachelors in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or any other relevant computer technology-related degree may qualify.
The median salary for Information Technology Directors is just over $199,890, with the highest earning 25% making more than $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Computer and Information Systems Manager – $191,470
The Computer and Information Systems Manager is the person in charge of the computer and information systems and networks employed by the company.
They’re responsible for ensuring that the computer systems and networks are working as intended and running smoothly. They may oversee installation, maintenance, and if needed, supervise troubleshooting of the physical servers, computers, other electronic devices, software, and programs that make up the IT network as well as the security systems of a company.
The Computer and Information Systems Manager may also lead the creation of the company website in conjunction with the marketing department.
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This job may be perfect for those who are organized, creative, analytical, and have a genuine interest in computers and technology.
An MBA in Information Technology may be preferred by employers, but a general MBA coupled with a Bachelors in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electrical and Computer Engineering may also be considered.
The median salary for Computer and Information Systems Managers is just over $151,150 with 25% of the highest earning managers making over $191,470 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Marketing Manager – $191,760
Marketing Manager is the title given to the person in charge of how a product is introduced, promoted and marketed to the company’s buyers, whether those buyers be distributors, large business clients, or end consumers.
The Marketing Manager is responsible for performing market research that could reveal opportunities that can be utilized to drum up demand and introducing the product to the target market via highly tailored compelling marketing campaigns such as choosing the perfect catchy slogans or jingles.
They also help increase sales by working hand in hand with the sales department and elevating brand and product recognition.
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Generally, this job is suited for someone who is creative and likes to be in charge of things and is not afraid of responsibility.
Some employers, but not all, may require that your MBA degree has a specialization in Marketing. Others may also prefer that you have an undergraduate degree that is related to their field. For example, an advertising firm may require that you have a Bachelor’s in Advertising.
The median salary for Marketing Managers is $142,170 with the highest 25% receiving about $191,760 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Financial Manager – $186,030
The Financial Manager is the person in charge of the company’s financial accounts, transactions, and budgets.
They are responsible for overseeing the company’s financial accounts and all related transactions pertaining to its cash and assets. The Financial Manager also serves as the budget officer who functions as the policymaker or consultant regarding budget and spending.
The Financial Manager may also be required to create reports regarding local and international financial trends that affect the company.
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This job may be a perfect fit for someone who is well-organized, fond of figures, and loves a challenge, especially in terms of problem-solving.
An MBA is a strong requirement for this position, but employers may prefer to hire those with an undergraduate degree in Accountancy or Finance.
The median salary for Financial Managers is $134,180 with the top 25% earning about $186,030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Business Operations Manager – $161,190
The Business Operations Manager is generally the person in charge of managing the supply chain of the company and its products.
They’re responsible for establishing and ensuring a steady and uninterrupted flow of necessary raw materials and equipment from suppliers as well as maintaining delivery logistics and the warehousing infrastructure for local or international partners.
Generally, this job is suited for someone who is organized and methodical and is not afraid of solving problems.
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You may have an advantage if you have an MBA in Supply Chain Management or its equivalent, but each company will have their own set of requirements which may or may not include an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, International Business, or the like.
It may be worth noting that you can earn an online MBA in supply chain management at a growing number of universities. This may help you to earn an MBA without interrupting your work responsibilities.
The median salary for Business Operations Managers is about $103,650, with the highest paid 25% receiving about $161,190 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Investment Fund Manager – $155,570
The Investment Fund Manager is the person in charge of the company’s investment decisions and portfolio management.
They’re responsible for providing relevant advice as well as creating reports on data that directly pertain to a company’s investment activities. The Investment Fund Manager may also have direct influence or even final say on the company’s investments in stocks, real estate or any other form of asset considered an investment.
Generally, this is an ideal position for those who excel in deductive reasoning, great with figures, and is not afraid of making big decisions.
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An MBA that has a focus on Finance may be preferred, but a general MBA program together with a bachelors in Finance, Accountancy, or Business Administration may also qualify.
The median salary for Investment Fund Managers is about $98,850, with the top 25% making at least $155,570 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Health Services Manager – $139,650
The Health Services Manager is the person who manages and coordinates the health services of a company, which includes medical and nursing services both within the organization and from outside partner facilities.
They are responsible for ensuring that the company adheres to the government requirements pertaining to the provision of health services by employers to their employees.
The Health Services Manager oversees the company’s medical and nursing team, a company funded health facility, as well as maintains and promotes partnerships with retainer physicians, nurses, and even health insurance providers.
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Generally, this position is ideal for anyone who is good with people, has a caring personality, great decision-making skills and is medically inclined.
An MBA may give you an advantage, but most companies also require a bachelor’s degree related to healthcare, such as nursing or healthcare management.
The median salary for Health Services Managers is $104,280, with the top 25% earning about $139,650 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Management Consultant – $116,710
A Management Consultant is in charge of making a company more cost-efficient by maximizing employee productivity and reducing costs.
They’re responsible for improving the company’s focus on staying competitive and relevant in accordance to changes anywhere in the business process of the organization, such as adherence to a new law or regulation as well as a new company goal.
The Management Consultant is instrumental in creating new company policies with the intent of optimizing efficiency and improving the bottom-line.
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This position is generally suited for those individuals who are creative as well as good with deductive reasoning and analysis as this job requires constant problem solving and forecasting of intended results from proposed or implemented changes.
An MBA with a specialization in Business Administration or a general MBA on top of a bachelors in Business Administration will often be the preferred qualification for this position.
The median salary for Management Consultants is $87,660, but the highest paid 25% of Senior Management Consultants can make at least $116,710 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Operations Research Analyst – $107,720
Operations Research Analyst is the title given to the person in charge of providing solutions to a company’s efficiency problems related to its overall operations.
They’re responsible for providing the company advice that may directly affect and change the current production and supply chain practices, such as the alteration of the production schedule to improve efficiency in manufacturing as well as establishing ideal price structures.
The Operations Research Analysts work hand in hand with the company managers and decision-makers to find the best course of action the company should take.
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Generally, this job is ideal for those who have a strong sense of responsibility as well as an analytical mind. Those who enjoy the challenge of finding the best solution to problems may be a good fit.
An MBA with a specialization in Supply Chain Management or one with a focus on Operations Management is often preferred.
The median salary for Operations Research Analysts is about $81,390, with the highest paid 25% making more than $107,720 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Careers Can an MBA Get You?
MBA careers will likely involve business and its many processes in some way, but your exact career will depend on your specialization. Typically, an MBA is equipped for managing individuals or teams under you in some capacity.
Aside from people, MBAs also have the education and training to deal with numbers and figures that are relevant to business, so MBAs may also become analysts or consultants.
Which MBA has Highest Salary?
The salary will depend on a few things, such as your experience, location, and industry, but the highest median salary for MBAs is related to technology, with Chief Technology Officers earning in the range between $184,460 and $208,000, with the highest paid 25% making over $232,840 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which Job is Best for MBA?
Any job that requires an MBA will likely pay more than non-MBA positions. The choice of the “best” MBA job will rely tremendously on individual career goals, personality, and preferences.
If you are drawn to computers and technology, then a Chief Technology Officer position may be an ideal high-paying career. But if you prefer to work with money, for example, then being a Financial Manager may be lucrative and fulfilling.
Is MBA a Good Career Option?
Yes, earning an MBA is a good career option for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management jobs are set to grow at 9% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. Common careers in this field include operations research analyst, health services manager, business operations manager, financial manager, and chief executive.
Studying for your MBA may be one of the best career moves you can make because it might open up a lot of career possibilities. Your MBA degree can help prepare you to be competitive on a global stage. The new skills and specialized knowledge you may learn might cause your current employer to see you as an asset to the company that is not only worth keeping but also promoting.
You may also choose to move up the corporate ladder by moving to a new prospective company that may potentially provide you with a better challenge as well as a much higher salary based on your newfound MBA competencies.
