Your Guide to the Highest Paying Jobs for Business Graduates (2023)

21 Top-Earning Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Business

A bachelor's degree in business is often considered a versatile credential that can open doors to a multitude of career paths. If you're wondering how to capitalize on your business degree to secure one of the highest paying business jobs, this article is your comprehensive guide. Let's explore 21 top-earning roles, detailing their national average salaries and core responsibilities, to give you a thorough understanding of your options.

Highest Paying Business Jobs with a Bachelor's Degree

Business Administration Jobs

In the realm of business administration, various roles are both challenging and lucrative. Here, we dig deeper into what these jobs entail:

1. Business Development Specialist

• Average Salary: $53,014/year
• Responsibilities: Primarily focus on identifying business opportunities and crafting plans for organizational growth. They assist companies through market analysis, networking, and performance enhancement strategies.

2. Accountant

• Average Salary: $53,555/year
• Responsibilities: An accountant is critical for managing and interpreting financial records. They handle tasks like assessing financial risks, tax preparation, and auditing financial reports. This role often requires on-the-job experience for career growth.

3. Account Manager

• Average Salary: $58,543/year
• Responsibilities: In charge of maintaining long-term connections between the business and its clients. Account managers assess customer needs, recommend strategies, and often employ CRM software for relationship management.

4. Compliance Officer

• Average Salary: $59,599/year
• Responsibilities: Compliance officers are key to ensuring that a company’s operations adhere to both external laws and internal policies. They carry out compliance audits, risk assessments, and ensure that companies comply with industry standards.

5. Social Media Manager

• Average Salary: $59,643/year
• Responsibilities: Tasked with managing the online presence and brand identity of the business. This role is critical in crafting digital marketing strategies, launching marketing campaigns, and overseeing social media associates.

6. Marketing Managers

• Average Salary: $64,043/year
• Responsibilities: These are the masterminds behind marketing plans that drive revenue. From market research to campaign development, marketing managers oversee the gamut of activities aimed at reaching target audiences.

7. Investment Banker

• Average Salary: $67,397/year
• Responsibilities: Specializes in advising companies on capital-raising strategies, as well as guiding them through mergers and acquisitions. Investment bankers have a solid grasp of financial practices and investment activities.

8. Investment Consultant

• Average Salary: $74,917/year
• Responsibilities: Focus on providing personalized financial planning and investment advice. Often employed by financial institutions, these consultants are skilled in financial analysis.

9. Investment Analyst

• Average Salary: $79,207/year
• Responsibilities: Perform detailed market research and prepare analytical reports on specific assets and industries. These analysts often work for hedge funds, investment banks, or other financial institutions.

10. Risk Manager

• Average Salary: $83,631/year
• Responsibilities: Risk managers are tasked with identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks within an organization. They use data-driven insights for their risk assessments, which contributes to the financial success of a business.

11. Information Technology Manager

• Average Salary: $86,923/year
• Responsibilities: Manage the IT infrastructure, delegate tasks, and ensure technology is being used to its maximum benefit. This role often intersects with operations management.

12. Financial Planning Analyst

• Average Salary: $87,534/year
• Responsibilities: Perform intricate financial analysis to assist in planning, budgeting, and forecasting. These analysts play a pivotal role in helping manage budgets and financial reports for an organization.

13. Financial Controller

• Average Salary: $89,341/year
• Responsibilities: The financial controller is accountable for financial reporting, compliance, and transactions. They maintain and interpret financial records to ensure the organization’s financial practices are up to standard.

14. Business Intelligence Analyst

• Average Salary: $93,218/year
• Responsibilities: Business intelligence analysts are experts in compiling data-driven reports to aid in business decision-making. They are often skilled in project management software and statistical analysis tools.

15. Regulatory Affairs Manager

• Average Salary: $94,796/year
• Responsibilities: Regulatory affairs managers ensure that a company is in compliance with all the laws and regulations concerning its business operations. They prepare reports and might liaise with governmental bodies.

16. Management Consultant

• Average Salary: $100,526/year
• Responsibilities: Management consultants are usually employed by consulting firms to provide expert advice on organizational improvements. They base their recommendations on thorough research, interviews, and data analysis.

17. Treasurer

• Average Salary: $103,160/year
• Responsibilities: The treasurer oversees an organization's finances, banking relationships, and investments. Their role is critical in shaping the financial landscape of the company.

18. CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

• Average Salary: $105,698/year
• Responsibilities: The CEO is at the helm of a company, guiding its overall strategy, structure, and goal-setting. CEOs are the top executives responsible for making overarching decisions that steer the company.

19. Actuary

• Average Salary: $111,470/year
• Responsibilities: Actuaries specialize in using mathematical and statistical methods to assess financial risks. They work in various sectors like insurance, healthcare, and pension funds.

20. COO (Chief Operating Officer)

• Average Salary: $113,088/year
• Responsibilities: The COO manages daily business operations and plays a significant role in executing the company’s business strategy. They often collaborate with the CEO to steer the company towards its goals.

21. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Average Salary: $122,195/year
• Responsibilities: CFOs are responsible for heading the financial department and make data-driven financial decisions. Tasks include managing financial reports, budget management, and strategic financial planning.

Why Search for a High-Paying Job With a Business Degree?

The quest for a high-paying job is often at the forefront of every graduate's mind, especially for those with a business degree. In the competitive business industry, a bachelor's degree in business administration can serve as a robust stepping stone to financial success. The reason is straightforward: higher salaries often bring more financial security, better quality of life, and the means for future investment activities.

Business jobs vary widely depending on the field, but many of the highest paying business jobs—like Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and various management positions—require a solid educational background in business administration or related fields. A bachelor's or master's degree in business not only equips you with the skills for financial analysis, project management, and human resource management but also opens doors to career growth.

The allure of a sizable paycheck is undeniable, but high-paying roles like Financial Controllers, Marketing Managers, and Sales Managers often come with their share of responsibilities. You could be managing budgets, preparing financial reports, or executing marketing plans that shape a company's future. The financial reward is often a direct reflection of the level of responsibility and on-the-job experience required for the role.

So, when you aim for the highest paying jobs in the business sector, you are essentially striving for roles that offer not just excellent pay but also a thorough understanding of a company's operations, financial practices, and even its company culture. And let's not forget, the potential for career growth in high-paying roles is often steeper compared to other jobs.

What to Look For When Searching for a High-Paying Business Job

Finding the dream job, either online or offline, that aligns with your business degree requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some key elements to consider:

1. Educational Requirements: Evaluate if employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree or if other advanced degrees like a master's are more advantageous for the role.
2. Skillset: Assess the skills needed for roles you are interested in. For example, financial examiners need a deep understanding of financial records, whereas marketing managers should excel in developing marketing campaigns.
3. Career Growth: Check the upward mobility in your chosen path. Roles like management analysts and personal financial advisors often offer good prospects for career advancement.
4. Company Fit: Company culture and values should align with your own, especially in management positions where you'll be significantly influencing company operations.
5. Salary: Use job boards and other resources to find the median annual salary or median annual wage for the job roles you're considering. Make sure they meet your financial goals.
6. Benefits and Perks: Don't just focus on the paycheck; look at the entire package including health benefits, retirement plans, and job flexibility.
7. Work-Life Balance: High-paying jobs often demand more time and energy. Assess whether the role fits into your lifestyle and long-term plans.
8. Industry Trends: Consult reliable sources to understand market trends and how they affect roles like finance managers, project managers, or management consultants in consulting firms or financial institutions.

By paying attention to these factors, you can make an informed decision that will not only satisfy your financial needs but also offer a fulfilling and long-lasting career.

How to Position Yourself for a High-Paying Business Job

In the competitive landscape of highest paying business jobs, a bachelor's degree or master's degree in business administration can be your cornerstone, but it's only the beginning. Employers prefer candidates who go beyond the classroom experience to excel in real-world scenarios. To make your mark and aim for management positions such as Chief Financial Officer or Marketing Manager, on-the-job experience is invaluable. An internship in finance can give you hands-on experience in financial reports and financial analysis, while a role in a marketing firm can familiarize you with marketing plans and digital marketing strategies.

Beyond formal education and experience, specialized skills can set you apart. For instance, expertise in financial records and financial practices is invaluable for jobs like Finance Manager or Financial Planning Analyst. Project management skills are sought after, especially if you're eyeing roles like Project Managers or Operations Management. Sales Managers and Marketing Managers, for example, often need to manage budgets, so having a knack for numbers can be a boon.

Networking can't be overstated in its importance. In the world of business professionals, a recommendation can expedite career growth tremendously. Join business industry events, webinars, and other platforms where you can meet like-minded professionals. It's an effective way to learn about job boards, job postings, and the median annual salary for roles you might be interested in, like Chief Executive Officers or Human Resources Managers.

Staying updated with new trends and regulations is also crucial. Compliance Officers, for example, need to ensure that companies comply with rapidly changing laws. Likewise, Marketing Managers need to adapt to new marketing campaigns and shifts in company culture. The business management landscape is dynamic, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Therefore, whether you're in finance or human resources, staying updated through ongoing courses and certifications will give you a competitive edge. In summary, to secure a high-paying business job, focus on gaining varied experience, honing specialized skills, leveraging your network, and committing to lifelong learning.

Conclusion

A bachelor's degree in business can be a lucrative investment, offering avenues into various high-paying roles. Whether you're interested in finance, marketing, or management, there's likely a dream job waiting for you. With career growth potential and median annual salaries that often exceed the average, business jobs with a bachelor's degree are an excellent choice for those seeking financial and professional success.

These jobs are also great stepping stones for if you would ultimately like to go into entrepreneurship. Check out these top first jobs for entrepreneurs if that's your desired path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of bachelor's degree should I get for a high-paying business job?
A: A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Finance is generally recommended for high-paying roles like Chief Financial Officer or Marketing Manager.

Q: Is a master's degree necessary for the highest paying business jobs?
A: While a bachelor's degree is often sufficient for many roles, certain management positions like Chief Executive Officer or Financial Planning Analyst may prefer candidates with a Master's degree.

Q: How important is on-the-job experience?
A: On-the-job experience is crucial. Employers prefer candidates who have practical experience in areas like financial reports, project management, and human resource management.

Q: What roles are available in the field of Marketing?
A: In the marketing sector, roles like Marketing Managers and Sales Managers are among the highest paying jobs. Responsibilities often include crafting marketing plans and overseeing marketing campaigns.

Q: How do financial roles differ from human resources roles in terms of responsibilities?
A: Financial roles like Finance Manager primarily deal with financial records, financial analysis, and investment activities. Human Resources Managers focus on human resources, employee relations, and company culture.