We explore the types of jobs, salaries, and opportunities that come with your MBA degree.
The proof is in the payoff
When it comes to MBA career paths and salaries, your options are only as limited as your imagination. Popular career choices include executive leadership positions, director roles, product managers, marketing managers, data and systems analysts, accountants, non-profit managers, healthcare consultants … the list goes on and on. Your MBA will open doors to opportunities far beyond a bachelor’s degree.
“The Iowa MBA program reinforced the idea that I could be in the C-suite, that I could be at the highest levels and that was exciting.”
What type of job can I get with an MBA? So many options to choose from …
Interesting, well-paying careers abound for MBA grads. What can you do with an MBA? We’ve put together a list of both traditional and non-traditional MBA jobs to help illustrate the point. This list is not all-inclusive but intended to show the scope of opportunities across industries.
Executive Roles
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Finance
- Investment Banker
- Funds Manager
- Financial Consultant
- Financial Planning Manager
- Wealth Manager
- Auditor
- Accountant
- Financial Quantitative Analyst
- Budget Analyst
Marketing
- Creative Director
- Brand Manager
- Marketing Manager/Director
- Art Director
- Marketing Specialist
- Sales Manager
- Purchasing Manager
Analytics, Operations and Strategy
- IT Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Compliance Specialist
- Product Manager
- Process Improvement Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Human Resources Manager
Non-Traditional
- Non-profit Director
- Lawyer
- Start-up Founder
- Computer Engineer
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You can find additional career options, interview tips, and more in the Tippie Career Guide.
Will an MBA get me a job? The forecast looks sunny.
While an MBA is no guarantee of a great job, it certainly helps. Statista.com1 reports that MBA hiring in the U.S. rose from 59% in 2008 to 91% in 2022. According to the GMAC 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey,2 more than a quarter of corporate employers plan to hire MBA grads in 2024.
Over 50% of employers in 20233 are looking to grow their employee pool, with the biggest increases expected in consulting, products/services, and energy/utilities. Forty-seven percent of employers plan to place their MBA hires in strategy and innovation roles, 45% in consulting jobs, and 44% in marketing.
“The top competencies we look for in leaders at the company are: leading change and transition, comfort in uncertainty and ambiguity, growth mindset, developing others, critical thinking, and vision and strategy formulation.”
Dollars and sense: Can you make a lot of money with an MBA?
Yes, you can!
A 2024 survey by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC)2 projected an MBA jobs median starting salary of $120k.
MBA grads not only see salaries of up to $50k more than those with a bachelor’s degree alone,3 they’re also on the fast-track for promotions. 56% of Iowa MBA graduates received a promotion during or after their program.
The two full-time MBA programs with the highest MBA starting salary in the U.S. are Stanford University at $231,259 and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania at $213,772.4 The top part-time MBA starting salary belongs to the University of Chicago (Booth) at $165,887.5
While earning an MBA doesn’t ensure an automatic salary boost or promotion, the crucial insights and skills you’ll gain from your program can provide leverage when negotiating for raises and role changes. As the saying goes, “you get out what you put in.” This rings as true for MBA programs as it does for real life.
If you commit yourself to truly growing your understanding of business, leveraging the networking opportunities your program will afford you, engaging in classroom discussions, and creating a plan for your career growth, then you’ll be set up for success post-graduation.
“An MBA can help both personally and professionally by providing additional business knowledge and concepts, confidence to communicate with individuals at various organizational levels, and a much broader understanding of the factors that impact decision-making. These factors also contribute to upward career movement and provide more choices in terms of career paths.”
Put me in coach: What do most MBA graduates do?
In a post-COVID world, some of the best jobs for recent MBA graduates fall within the technology, pharmaceutical, and finance sectors.6
These industries have so far weathered the storm of the “great resignation,” remote work, and workforce reductions, and offer interesting, well-paid careers for MBA degree-holders.
Reliably, MBA graduates can also find work in marketing, consulting, analytics, and operations. As you continue to ask yourself “Why should I get an MBA?”, don’t neglect to consider the advantages of the enormous range of career options and opportunities available to MBA grads.
So what MBA jobs pay the most? If you’re in the market for MBA jobs that pay $200k or more, look to the C-Suite. A recent report shows CEOs averaging a take-home salary of $897,916 and CFOs earning around $258,900 per year.7 While it may take time to reach these lofty positions, the work will be well worth the payoff.
“Employers hire MBAs for short-term value, but more importantly, long-term potential for higher leadership roles.”
Ready to explore all the benefits of a top-ranked, Big Ten MBA?
Related articles
Still have questions?
Q: What skills are essential for MBA graduates entering the job market?
A: MBA graduates should develop a range of skills to succeed in the job market, including:
- Leadership and team management
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Effective communication and presentation
- Financial analysis and budgeting
- Networking and relationship building
Hear from an expert about the skills an MBA gives you
Q: How can I leverage my MBA for a career change?
A: To leverage your MBA for a career change, consider these steps:
- Identify transferable skills from your previous roles
- Network with professionals in your desired field
- Seek out internships or volunteer opportunities
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant MBA projects
- Consider additional certifications in your target industry
Q: What industries are most likely to hire MBA graduates?
A: MBA graduates are sought after in several industries, including:
- Finance and Banking
- Consulting and Management
- Technology and IT
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Marketing and Sales
Q: How can I network effectively as an MBA graduate?
A: Effective networking strategies include:
- Joining alumni groups and professional associations. The Tippie College of Business offers many opportunities to connect.
- Attending industry conferences and workshops
- Utilizing LinkedIn to connect with professionals
- Engaging in informational interviews
- Participating in local business meetups
Q: What is the average salary for MBA graduates in various industries?
A: Average salaries for MBA graduates vary by industry:
- Finance: $100,000 - $150,000
- Consulting: $90,000 - $140,000
- Technology: $80,000 - $130,000
- Healthcare: $85,000 - $120,000
- Marketing: $70,000 - $115,000
Q: How important is an MBA for entrepreneurship?
A: An MBA can be beneficial for entrepreneurship in several ways:
- Provides essential business knowledge and skills
- Offers networking opportunities with potential investors
- Teaches strategic planning and financial management
- Enhances credibility with clients and partners
- Encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving
Q: What are the benefits of pursuing an MBA online versus in-person?
A: Online MBAs offer several advantages, such as:
- Flexibility to study at your own pace
- Access to a wider range of programs and schools
- Lower costs associated with commuting and housing
- Ability to balance work and study more easily
- Opportunity to connect with a diverse global network
Q: How can I prepare for job interviews after completing my MBA?
A: To prepare for job interviews, follow these tips:
- Research the company and its culture thoroughly
- Practice common interview questions and answers
- Prepare to discuss your MBA projects and experiences
- Dress professionally and arrive early
- Follow up with a thank-you note post-interview
Sources
- “Percentage of companies that hired MBA graduates from 2008 to 2022.” Statista.com, Aug 7, 2023.
- Andrew Walker, et al. “Corporate Recruiters Survey – 2024 Summary Report.” Graduate Management Admissions Council, 2024
- Andrew Walker, et al. “Corporate Recruiters Survey – 2023 Summary Report.” Graduate Management Admissions Council, July 2023.
- "MBA Degree Salary: 2025 Guide." Coursera, January 6, 2025.
- Ilana Kowarski and Sarah Wood. “Find MBAs That Lead to Employment, High Salaries.” U.S. News & World Report, April 10, 2024.
- “Best Part-Time MBA Programs.” U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
- Jonathan Moules. “A Sellers Job Market for MBA Grads.” Financial Times, February 6, 2022.
- Martin Mascali. “13 of the Highest Paying Jobs for MBA Graduates to Pursue.” Monster.com.