Top MBA Careers: Highest Paying Executive Paths and Job Outlook
Why an MBA Unlocks Elite Career Opportunities
MBA graduates command premium salary potential, achieve career growth at an accelerated rate and may experience an exponential return on investment (ROI).
While many of the positions highlighted in this article are attainable for students with a bachelor’s degree, most graduates find that success is accelerated after earning an MBA. With a master’s degree in business, you can generally expect higher earning potential, more opportunities for career advancement and a broader understanding of business management compared to those without.
In our changing technological landscape, MBA graduates have acknowledged the importance of “future-proofing” their careers alongside artificial intelligence (AI), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) trends, and remote leadership position demands. MBA graduates similarly acknowledge the protection their degree provides in an environment where companies are looking to cut costs and become more efficient.
What Are In-Demand Career Paths for an MBA Graduate?
Graduates often experience a high MBA ROI. With a strong understanding of how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) efficiently and the ability to apply master’s-level business acumen in everyday practice, most graduates find that they feel adequately prepared for their first post-graduation MBA job opportunity.
Each of the following eleven MBA career paths is an in-demand option for MBA graduates, featuring growing industries with higher-than-average salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Management Consulting: The Traditional MBA Powerhouse
Often considered the “bread and butter” for MBA graduates, management consulting is a reliable and consistent technology management career. Management consultants can expect frequent travel and occasionally work more than 40 hours a week, but they are compensated lucratively with a median annual salary of $101,190.1
A management consultant’s main duty is to recommend strategies that can improve a company’s efficiency. They might suggest recommendations for improvements in completing work faster, changing locations to increase profits, re-organizing the company and using technology more efficiently.
The career growth projection for a management consultant is much higher than average: More than a 9% increase in career availability is expected between 2024 and 2034. With over 98,100 job opportunities available per year, there will be abundant positions for MBA graduates over the next decade.
Management consultants must display an elevated skillset that features strength in areas including analytics, communication, interpersonal collaboration, problem-solving and time management.
Investment Banking and Finance Leadership
Investment banking and finance leadership roles require excellent skills in management and analytics.
MBA graduates who pursue a financial management career can expect an average salary of $161,700. Like management consulting, the growth projection for financial managers is much higher than average, with 74,600 jobs opening annually and a 15% increase expected over the next 10 years.2
Financial managers lead investment activities, create financial reports and develop plans for their organization’s long-term financial goals. They work in numerous industries but can generally be found in all banks, investment firms and insurance companies.
The typical month-in-the-life of a financial manager might consist of the following:
- Prepare financial statements, business activity reports and forecasts
- Ensure that the company is meeting legal requirements
- Supervise employees who manage the budget and financial reporting
- Seek ways to reduce overall costs
- Analyze market trends to find expansion opportunities and maximize profits
Financial analysts guide individuals or businesses in decisions about potential expenses that might lead to a profit. This includes assessing bonds, stocks and other types of investments.
There are many different types of financial analysts working in multiple fields. An MBA graduate who wishes to pursue financial analysis might expect a position as a financial risk analyst/specialist, fund manager, investment analyst, portfolio manager, ratings analyst or securities analyst.
Financial analysts receive worthwhile compensation, with an average salary of $101,910 per year. The job outlook is faster than average: a 6% increase is expected over the next ten years with about 29,900 new financial analyst job opportunities per year.3
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Health Care Management and Executive Leadership
Medical and health service management is another viable option for MBA graduates. Those main duties include planning, directing and coordinating the activities of health care facilities. Most of these managers work in hospitals, nursing homes and group medical practices.
Medical and health service managers make, on average, $117,960 per year, but can earn up to $350,000 depending on the role and region. Like most careers for MBA graduates, the job opportunities grow much faster than average — 23% over the next 10 years with 62,100 openings annually.4
Nursing home administrators, clinical managers and health information managers are all positions an MBA graduate could expect to pursue in the health care industry. During a typical day, a medical and health service manager might do the following:
- Work with physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, medical record specialists, patients, and insurance agents
- Develop goals and objectives related to the efficiency of health care services
- Prepare and monitor budgets, including billing and patient fees
- Recruit, train and supervise staff members
- Represent the company on governing boards or at investment meetings
C-suite careers, like that of a top executive, are also available in the health care industry. Though this career is only expected to grow 4% in the next ten years (as fast as average), top executive roles in health care earn a median annual salary of $206,420 a year.5
The responsibilities in an executive role depend on an organization’s size. In smaller companies (e.g., independent retail stores), a top executive typically focuses on hiring, training, quality control and day-to-day supervisory duties. In larger companies, they are often responsible for formulating policies and planning strategies while the general managers plan daily operations.
Marketing and Brand Management Excellence
Marketing management, human resources, organizational leadership, and project management are all viable and well-paid careers for MBA graduates.
Marketing Management
With an average salary of $159,660 and a faster –than-average growth projection of 6%, marketing and brand management is another career option for MBA graduates. These job opportunities generally consist of advertising, promotions and marketing manager roles.6
Advertising managers create interest in a product or service by brainstorming strategies to entice the buyer. This might involve working with sales to generate ideas for a marketing campaign, overseeing the staff to help develop advertising, or collaborating with the finance department to prepare a budget and cost estimates.
Alternatively, promotions managers direct programs that combine purchasing incentives with advertising. This information is used to target customers in the media, at events or in displays with the goal of increasing sales and developing brand loyalty.
Lastly, marketing managers estimate a product or service’s demand and identify potential markets for it offered by their business or organization. This might include developing pricing, determining ways to acquire and retain customers, creating strategies to maximize profits, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Does that sound like the right fit for you? Learn more about marketing management positions today.
Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
MBA graduates can find potentially lucrative opportunities in human resources (HR) leadership positions. With an average salary of $140,030 per year, HR managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization.7 To succeed in an HR management position, MBA graduates should possess an understanding of the following:
- Human resources leadership programs
- Compensation and benefit plans
- Human resources software
- Federal, state and local employment laws
- Decision-making abilities
- Communication, interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills
Learn more about the responsibilities of an HR director.
Project Management and Operations Excellence
Lastly, project management executive roles are excellent opportunities for MBA graduates. They coordinate scheduling, budgets, staffing and other project details. Those who are analytical, communicative, solve problems, manage time and thrive in an organized environment might succeed in project management.8
Duties in project management typically consist of defining a project’s scope or goals, planning an estimate of costs, identifying potential risks, specifying a timeline and seeing the project through to its completion. As they take on more responsibility and gain experience, project management specialists may advance to more senior positions.
Project management positions are compensated favorably with an average pay of $100,750 per year. The job outlook is faster than average for all occupations (6% growth projected over the next ten years with 78,200 job opportunities projected per year).8
Ready to pursue a career in project management? Keep exploring what it takes to succeed.
Emerging Executive Opportunities
While MBA students can expect career opportunities after graduation, there are always exciting new occupations emerging. The following positions reflect today’s dynamic business world and can be rewarding careers for MBA graduates:
- Chief sustainability officer
- Chief data officer
- Remote-first organizational leader
- AI ethics and governance position
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the future of executive leadership is bright.
OHIO MBA Concentrations: Aligning Education With Career Goals
Earn your MBA from Ohio University to prepare for exciting and rewarding leadership roles. Ranked among the top 50 “Best Online MBA Programs” in 20249 and among the “Best National Universities” for 202610, OHIO has a long tradition of offering online programs specifically designed for working professionals. You can expect comprehensive and engaging coursework that combines experience-based learning with academic excellence.
With decades of experience preparing professionals for meaningful career advancement, OHIO’s MBA program is the largest conferrer of MBAs in the state. And not only that – our business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Our programs can be completed online/in-person in only two years, incorporating interactive learning experiences with a leading-edge curriculum.
Tailor your degree by choosing from 11 in-demand MBA specializations. Each offers an accredited curriculum, affordable tuition and a flexible online format.
Pursue hospital administration or health information management with the health care concentration. Have a passion for market research or statistics? Consider the business analytics track. We also offer a project management concentration to help you qualify to lead in fields such as IT, construction, health care, and marketing.
You won’t just level-up your career upon graduation — you’ll also gain benefits made for OHIO graduates, like exclusive and concentration-specific networking opportunities and lifetime career support.
With expert faculty, industry connections and career services tailored to each MBA specialization track, you’ll find the pathway to success in whichever OHIO MBA program you choose to pursue.
How To Position Yourself for Top MBA Career Success
Achieving and maintaining skill development strategies is essential for any graduate looking to find the best MBA career. Your OHIO MBA will provide the framework you need to stand out. Here’s where to focus, as you continue building advanced-level skills:
- Build a professional network through industry events, graduate associations and online platforms (e.g., LinkedIn). Effective networking helps to build connections and professional relationships, which is often essential for career development.
- Participate in leadership development programs, residencies or internships. These programs often focus on honing skills like strategic thinking, team management and decision-making.
- Volunteer for cross-functional projects. This usually involves working with different departments within an organization and provides an underrated benefit by helping you understand broader business operations, improve collaboration skills and provide exposure to various aspects of the company.
- Focus on creating your personal brand. This is key to standing out in the job market and could include building an online presence highlighting what makes you different; showcasing personal skills, experience and leadership; tailoring resumes for each application; and consistently practicing an “elevator pitch” to remain confident and communicate concisely.
Future Outlook: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Executive Roles
MBA graduates have no need to fear AI and automation. In fact, these helpful tools are creating new leadership positions and job opportunities, rather than eliminating them. Similarly, ESG and sustainability priorities are driving C-suite evolution — meaning that a focus on the environment and promoting sustainability can lead to greater opportunities in your career.
Regardless of your unique goals, continuous learning and adaptation are of the utmost importance for OHIO MBA graduates. We can help you prepare for a career in this fast-paced business world.
Advance Your Career in Business With an MBA
Let OHIO help you elevate your career. Our professional MBA and online MBA degree programs are user-friendly, personalized and designed to help you achieve your goals. Become a Bobcat today!
Related Resources
- A Guide to Project Management in Business
- How to Become an HR Director
- What Does a Director of Marketing Do?
- Choosing an MBA Concentration: Project Management vs. Operations Management
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial Managers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial Analysts. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Service Managers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm.
- Poets&Quants, Best Online MBA Programs for 2024. Retrieved from https://poetsandquants.com/2023/11/27/ranking-poetsquants-best-online-mba-programs-2024/3/.
- U.S. News and World Report, Ohio University. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ohio-university-3100.
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