As MBA programs grow in popularity, choosing the right career path becomes crucial to advancing professionally. While a bachelor’s degree might get you through the door, many companies—especially in competitive industries—actively seek out candidates with an MBA.
Here are five jobs where an MBA can make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
5 top MBA jobs
1. IT manager
IT management is an ideal career path for professionals eager to innovate in tech. IT managers are responsible for overseeing a company’s computer systems, ensuring they meet the organization’s needs and keep the system secure.
Some companies require IT managers to hold a master’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employers typically seek managers with IT experience, often gained in a lower-level management position.
An MBA in Information Technology equips you with the skills for technical leadership by combining core business classes with specialized courses in IT systems, data management, technology strategy, and computer science.
As an IT manager in the US, you can expect a median salary of $169,510 according to the BLS, which also projects a 17% job growth for IT managers through to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Financial manager
The finance sector highly values the analytical and leadership skills that MBA graduates are known for.
Financial managers are tasked with overseeing a company’s financial health, which includes preparing or reviewing financial reports, analyzing trends, and advising top management on finances and profits.
If you’re interested in advancing in this field, having an MBA can give you the strategic and technical expertise employers seek. With relevant experience in the finance industry, you’ll have a significant advantage when applying for these roles.
The median salary for a financial manager is $156,100, according to the BLS, with demand for these positions expected to increase by 17% by the year 2033.
READ: MBA Finance | Where Can It Take You?
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3. Financial advisor
Financial advisor roles are another popular choice for MBAs, offering opportunities to provide expert guidance on investment, retirement, and financial strategies.
If you value independence, this role offers great flexibility, as the majority of financial advisors are self-employed, according to the BLS.
An MBA can enhance your credibility and help you attract clients, whether you work independently or for a larger firm. In fact, if you aim to move into a management role within a firm, the business acumen you gain through an MBA will help you stand out.
The median salary for financial advisors is $99,580, with the top 25% earning as much as $169,910. If you work for financial service firms, you might also enjoy additional bonuses.
The bureau projects a 17% growth rate for financial advisor roles through to 2033—on par with other fast-growing career paths such as IT managers and financial managers.
4. Human resources (HR) manager
If you love working with people and solving organizational problems, a career in HR might be what you're looking for. HR managers oversee recruitment, hiring efforts, and other administrative responsibilities across a company.
With experience and an MBA, you can move into this role and participate in strategic planning alongside executives.
As an HR manager in the US, you could earn a median salary of $136,350, with top earners making up to $182,120. While employment rates for HR managers is projected to increase by 6%—slightly lower than other roles on this list—it still outpaces the average for all occupations.
READ: Which Companies Hire The Most MBAs?
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5. Management analyst
Do you excel at problem-solving? Management analysts, or consultants, help companies improve efficiency by recommending changes to costs, personnel, finances, or operations.
According to US News, many companies show a strong preference for candidates with an MBA. If you have experience in HR, IT, or management, you’ll strengthen your profile even further.
The median salary for management analysts comes to $99,410, with the BLS forecasting a job growth rate of 11%.
The latest MBA jobs
The job market for MBA graduates is constantly evolving. As technology continues to disrupt industries, new and exciting career opportunities are emerging. Here are some of the top MBA roles in demand today:
Data analytics
As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, roles in data analytics have become a top choice for MBA graduates. Roles in data analytics enable you to pair business acumen with advanced analytical skills to solve problems.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, demand for roles such as big data specialists and AI and machine learning experts is projected to grow by over 80% by 2030.
If you pursue this path, you could earn a median salary of $124,000, with top earners making up to $162,000, according to Glassdoor.
Fintech
Financial technology, commonly known as fintech, is transforming the financial landscape.
By integrating technology with traditional financial services, fintech has given rise to mobile banking apps such as Monzo and peer-to-peer payment platforms including Venmo and CashApp.
This growth has led to the emergence of exciting new roles, such as fintech product managers and blockchain developers.
Luckily for MBAs, business schools including NYU Stern and Cornell Johnson are increasingly incorporating specialized fintech courses and MBA concentrations in their programs, helping you gain expertise in areas such as blockchain and data-driven credit modelling.
Chief technology officer (CTO)
For those with executive ambitions, the role of chief technology officer (CTO) offers a rewarding career path.
As a CTO, you'll oversee an organization’s use of technology, from research and development to setting technology policies. With an MBA, you could work your way up through roles such as enterprise architect or cloud architect.
CTOs at top firms like IBM and Amazon earn a median salary of $381,000 per year, with some roles paying up to $492,000.
This article was originally written by Ta'Rikah Jones in October 2013 and updated in January 2025.
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