What are the 50 highest-paying careers for business majors?
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Of the 50 highest-paying jobs for business majors, 15 have average salaries over $100,000.Â
- Updated
Choosing a college major can be an overwhelming decision. With some universities offering over 100 different undergraduate degrees, settling on the one that's right for you can seem impossible. Considering how a student's major can impact post-graduate employment, it's imperative to take the necessary time and thought when making a selection.
Business majors have long been among the most popular major choices for college students, and there are plenty of high-paying careers waiting for those who graduate with business degrees. We used the most recent data (released in 2016) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the highest-paying careers for business majors in the U.S. Careers are sorted based on average salary, and StartClass included a job description and the most recent employment numbers.
While these jobs aren't exclusive to business majors, the parent major for each career included is business, management and marketing. Of the 50 highest-paying jobs, 15 have average salaries over $100,000. Those include human resource managers and personal financial advisors, both of which rank in the top 10. All of the jobs in the top 50 have average salaries above $55,000.
Note: Job descriptions are sourced (with minor edits) from the BLS.
- Updated
Average salary: $55,460
Employment: 666,490
Description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests and performing clerical functions, such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
- Updated
Average salary: $56,170
Employment: 1,424,450
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
- Updated
Average salary: $57,280
Employment: 59,640
Description: Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
- Updated
Average salary: $57,810
Employment: 35,480
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.
- Updated
Average salary: $59,270
Employment: 111,200
Description: Buy merchandise or commodities -- other than farm products -- for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of non-farm products.
- Updated
Average salary: $59,340
Employment: 13,650
Description: Plan, develop or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
- Updated
Average salary: $59,930
Employment: 603,080
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators and plant and system operators.
- Updated
Average salary: $60,930
Employment: 79,330
Description: Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
- Updated
Average salary: $61,690
Employment: 149,770
Description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time or media in publications, signage, TV, radio or the internet. Includes individuals who obtain leases for outdoor advertising sites or persuade retailers to use sales promotion display items.
- Updated
Average salary: $62,360
Employment: 886,580
Description: Buy or sell energy products on the behalf of residential or commercial customers or utilities. Negotiate and oversee contracts for energy sales.
- Updated
Average salary: $62,460
Employment: 254,060
Description: Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
- Updated
Average salary: $63,710
Employment: 491,090
Description: Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview and place workers.
- Updated
Average salary: $64,790
Employment: 386,140
Description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker or be employed by an insurance company.
- Updated
Average salary: $64,810
Employment: 216,270
Description: Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
- Updated
Average salary: $65,100
Employment: 79,780
Description: Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
- Updated
Average salary: $66,120
Employment: 291,540
Description: Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.
- Updated
Average salary: $66,790
Employment: 1,409,550
Description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
- Updated
Average salary: $69,430
Employment: 119,770
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors or probation officers.
- Updated
Average salary: $70,030
Employment: 506,420
Description: Research market conditions in local, regional or national areas. May also gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales and methods of marketing and distribution.
- Updated
Average salary: $72,650
Employment: 89,960
Description: Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.
- Updated
Average salary: $75,150
Employment: 56,300
Description: Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
- Updated
Average salary: $75,170
Employment: 303,870
Description: Evaluate, authorize or recommend approval of commercial, real estate or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers and loan underwriters.
- Updated
Average salary: $75,280
Employment: 1,226,910
Description: Examine, analyze and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
- Updated
Average salary: $77,470
Employment: 133,770
Description: Analyze and coordinate the logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery and final disposal of resources.
- Updated
Average salary: $77,770
Employment: 3,950
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate gaming operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.
- Updated
Average salary: $79,720
Employment: 70,840
Description: Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.
- Updated
Average salary: $84,910
Employment: 247,850
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
- Updated
Average salary: $88,310
Employment: 44,200
Description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify or authenticate records.
- Updated
Average salary: $89,170
Employment: 334,010
Description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry and electronics, normally obtained from at least two years of post-secondary education.
- Updated
Average salary: $91,770
Employment: 614,110
Description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
- Updated
Average salary: $92,220
Employment: 84,890
Description: Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Updated
Average salary: $94,840
Employment: 270,080
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning, maintenance, custodial operations and other office support services.
- Updated
Average salary: $95,130
Employment: 109,210
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate transportation, storage or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
- Updated
Average salary: $95,320
Employment: 268,360
Description: Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
- Updated
Average salary: $97,510
Employment: 239,640
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
- Updated
Average salary: $102,860
Employment: 319,280
Description: Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities and market conditions.
- Updated
Average salary: $103,720
Employment: 169,390
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality and quantity specifications.
- Updated
Average salary: $103,720
Employment: 169,390
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Note: Quality control managers and industrial production managers report the same salary and employment figures to the BLS, though they have different job descriptions.
- Updated
Average salary: $111,230
Employment: 376,440
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.
- Updated
Average salary: $111,680
Employment: 31,430
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
- Updated
Average salary: $113,620
Employment: 29,340
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization or on an account basis.
- Updated
Average salary: $114,130
Employment: 72,600
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
- Updated
Average salary: $117,080
Employment: 122,780
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
- Updated
Average salary: $118,050
Employment: 197,580
Description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status and financial objectives.
- Updated
Average salary: $119,460
Employment: 2,145,140
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing or administrative services.
- Updated
Average salary: $121,630
Employment: 15,930
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
- Updated
Average salary: $130,400
Employment: 364,750
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
- Updated
Average salary: $134,330
Employment: 531,120
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities and other financial activities of a branch, office or department of an establishment.
- Updated
Average salary: $140,660
Employment: 192,890
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
- Updated
Average salary: $185,850
Employment: 238,940
Description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
More like this...
Choosing a college major can be an overwhelming decision. With some universities offering over 100 different undergraduate degrees, settling on the one that's right for you can seem impossible. Considering how a student's major can impact post-graduate employment, it's imperative to take the necessary time and thought when making a selection.
Business majors have long been among the most popular major choices for college students, and there are plenty of high-paying careers waiting for those who graduate with business degrees. We used the most recent data (released in 2016) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the highest-paying careers for business majors in the U.S. Careers are sorted based on average salary, and StartClass included a job description and the most recent employment numbers.
While these jobs aren't exclusive to business majors, the parent major for each career included is business, management and marketing. Of the 50 highest-paying jobs, 15 have average salaries over $100,000. Those include human resource managers and personal financial advisors, both of which rank in the top 10. All of the jobs in the top 50 have average salaries above $55,000.
Note: Job descriptions are sourced (with minor edits) from the BLS.
Average salary: $55,460
Employment: 666,490
Description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests and performing clerical functions, such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
Average salary: $59,270
Employment: 111,200
Description: Buy merchandise or commodities -- other than farm products -- for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of non-farm products.
Average salary: $59,340
Employment: 13,650
Description: Plan, develop or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Average salary: $59,930
Employment: 603,080
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators and plant and system operators.
Average salary: $61,690
Employment: 149,770
Description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time or media in publications, signage, TV, radio or the internet. Includes individuals who obtain leases for outdoor advertising sites or persuade retailers to use sales promotion display items.
Average salary: $64,790
Employment: 386,140
Description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker or be employed by an insurance company.
Average salary: $64,810
Employment: 216,270
Description: Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Average salary: $69,430
Employment: 119,770
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors or probation officers.
Average salary: $70,030
Employment: 506,420
Description: Research market conditions in local, regional or national areas. May also gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales and methods of marketing and distribution.
Average salary: $75,170
Employment: 303,870
Description: Evaluate, authorize or recommend approval of commercial, real estate or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers and loan underwriters.
Average salary: $75,280
Employment: 1,226,910
Description: Examine, analyze and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Average salary: $77,470
Employment: 133,770
Description: Analyze and coordinate the logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery and final disposal of resources.
Average salary: $79,720
Employment: 70,840
Description: Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.
Average salary: $84,910
Employment: 247,850
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Average salary: $88,310
Employment: 44,200
Description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify or authenticate records.
Average salary: $89,170
Employment: 334,010
Description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry and electronics, normally obtained from at least two years of post-secondary education.
Average salary: $91,770
Employment: 614,110
Description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Average salary: $92,220
Employment: 84,890
Description: Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Average salary: $94,840
Employment: 270,080
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning, maintenance, custodial operations and other office support services.
Average salary: $95,130
Employment: 109,210
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate transportation, storage or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Average salary: $97,510
Employment: 239,640
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
Average salary: $102,860
Employment: 319,280
Description: Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities and market conditions.
Average salary: $103,720
Employment: 169,390
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Note: Quality control managers and industrial production managers report the same salary and employment figures to the BLS, though they have different job descriptions.
Average salary: $113,620
Employment: 29,340
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization or on an account basis.
Average salary: $114,130
Employment: 72,600
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Average salary: $118,050
Employment: 197,580
Description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status and financial objectives.
Average salary: $119,460
Employment: 2,145,140
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing or administrative services.
Average salary: $130,400
Employment: 364,750
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Average salary: $140,660
Employment: 192,890
Description: Plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Average salary: $185,850
Employment: 238,940
Description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
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