By: Shelby Campbell
Edited by: Valerie Black
Published: December 20, 2024
Many applicants apply to master of business administration (MBA) programs with the goal of earning a higher salary. An MBA can lead to more senior roles and more money, making the degree a potentially wise investment. However, many still wonder if the cost of an MBA will be worth it when they reenter the workforce.
Learn more about an MBA degree's return on investment (ROI) and common MBA graduate occupations in this salary guide. Plus, learn how your MBA concentration can affect your salary.
Why is an MBA profitable?
After earning an MBA, you may qualify for specialized roles that often pay higher salaries than jobs that only require a bachelor's degree. The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) reports a projected median starting salary for MBA graduates of $120,000 in 2024, while those with only a bachelor's degree were projected to earn a starting salary of $69,320 in 2024.
Earning an MBA is often profitable almost immediately after graduation. Data from another GMAC report shows that around 87% of students received a full-time job offer within three months of graduating with an MBA as of 2022. The same GMAC report shows that, over time, MBA graduates can expect to earn around $3 million more than those with just a bachelor's degree.
MBA careers and salaries
Whether you're aiming for a higher-paying executive role in your current industry or hoping to break into a new field altogether, an online MBA can help you succeed. Below, find jobs that graduates with different types of MBAs can pursue, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Logistician
A logistician manages an organization's supply chain. These employees oversee materials, shipment, and labor throughout production, from product development to manufacturing and distribution. They also identify ways to make systems more efficient and cut costs.
Median annual salary (2023): $79,400
Project manager
A project manager creates and executes project plans. By setting goals, expectations, and deadlines, the project manager helps their team stay organized and on track to complete a project. These employees also communicate progress to senior management and adjust project plans as necessary.
Median annual salary (2023): $98,580
Advertising and public relations manager
Advertising and PR managers manage a company's image and market various products. These employees may also act as the face of a company, issuing press releases and statements on behalf of executive leadership. They also oversee and approve communications to customers, media organizations, or business partners.
Median annual salary (2023):$156,580
Financial manager
A financial manager oversees an organization's financial operations. Financial managers set short- and long-term financial goals and decide how best to achieve them. They may also analyze data and economic reports to advise executives on maximizing profits.
Median annual salary (2023): $156,100
Compensation and benefits managers
Compensation and benefits managers coordinate employee pay and benefits. Benefits managers compare packages and vendor options while compensation managers negotiate and set worker salaries. Some organizations combine the two positions.
Median annual salary (2023): $136,380
Computer and information systems manager
Information technology managers oversee and maintain computer systems. They make organization-wide decisions about how employees should use company technology and digital data. Computer system managers may also standardize an organization's security systems to protect sensitive digital information.
Median annual salary (2023): $169,510
Chief executive officer
Chief executive officers (CEOs) are the heads of organizations. They determine the company's direction by creating short- and long-term goals. CEOs also coordinate with each department to ensure their work aligns with the organization's plans.
Median annual salary (2023): $206,680
Management analyst
Management analysts review an organization's internal processes to suggest efficiency improvements. Although they're often independent contractors, management analysts may work full -time for one company. These employees work across departments to uncover administrative bloat or systemic redundancies. Hiring a management analyst can save a company time, money, and resources.