As a result, technology is the second most popular industry among MBA graduates: 45% of millennial and 36% of Gen Z prospective b-school students are interested in joining the tech industry, according to the 2024 Prospective Student Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
Pursuing an MBA or a business master's degree offers a great way to access sector-specific knowledge and network with recruiters from leading tech companies at school-run career events. But which tech jobs offer the highest salaries?
Here are eight of the highest paying tech jobs, including those senior-level management jobs often occupied by business school grads.
The highest-paying tech jobs
8. Site reliability engineer (SRE)
Average base salary: $124k+ a year | Top recruiters: Apple, Google
As a site reliability engineer, you'll be required to manage and monitor the production services of an organization, with the overall goal of enhancing the reliability and performance of a website.
It’s a role that demands in-depth knowledge of scripting languages like Python and cloud computing providers. As an SRE, you could rake in an average base salary of $124k per year, up to $150k or even more at some firms. You can also expect to land roles with companies like Apple and Google or work in network security with startups like Unit21.
7. Blockchain developer
Average base salary: $105k+ | Top recruiters: IBM, Microsoft
As a blockchain developer, you’ll design blockchain protocols and blockchain systems. You could also be involved in areas like web app development and forming smart contracts.
You can expect an average base salary of $105k, joining popular MBA-employing companies like Microsoft and IBM, or even startups like German fintech venture N26 and sustainable cryptocurrency service AltaFin—both hirers of MBAs.
Business schools like Hong Kong's HKUST Business School acknowledge the need for future business leaders to combine technical skills with business knowledge, delivering MBA courses on blockchain technology.
6. Data scientist
Average base salary: $118k+ a year | Top recruiters:Unilever, Meta
As a data scientist, you’ll need to be well-versed in things like big data, data analytics, and machine learning, applying these new technologies when predicting future business problems and making data-driven decisions.
You'll work in one of the best-paid jobs in technology, earning an average base salary of $118,000 per year in the US, with roles even reaching above $250k per year at big tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, all of which hire data scientists. If you’re looking for something different, the National Basketball Association (NBA) hires data scientists and business school graduates.
The best paid subsector of data science is media, offering roles in research and development, and data product management.
5. Artificial intelligence (AI) engineer
Average base salary: $134k+ a year | Top recruiters: Apple, Lockheed Martin
As an AI engineer, you’ll leverage your expertise in AI, machine learning, and scripting languages when developing algorithms, with the aim of enhancing the experience of end users.
You could land a job in game development with companies like EA or work for an AI-driven startup like Eightfold AI, specializing in talent management.
More and more business schools are providing courses on machine learning. Stanford, for example, even offers a joint MBA and MS in Computer Science, equipping future business leaders with the technical know-how to lead digital transformation.
AI ranks as one of the most sought-after skills among employers, with candidate demand for AI growing 38% year-on-year, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. As a result, AI engineering ranks among the highest-paying tech jobs: the average base salary for an AI engineer in the US is $134k per year, but you could earn up to $205k at some firms.
4. Product manager
Average base salary: $124k+ | Top recruiters: Intuit, American Express
Product managers bridge the gap between clients and coders, leading a team to build market-tailored products and develop strategies to optimize them.
MBAs often occupy product management roles in tech firms, as the role allows them to apply knowledge across business and strategy, in addition to coding skills. Many business schools like Harvard Business School teach coding courses for MBAs, helping these future business leaders communicate with tech engineers.
In a product manager role you can expect a decent average base pay of $124,000, and likely more at top companies like Intuit and American Express.
3. Cloud architect
Average base salary: $148k+ a year | Top recruiters: Accenture, Deloitte
As a cloud architect, you’ll be responsible for the cloud computing system of your organization, designing solutions to cope with technical issues.
You can learn about cloud platforms in MBA programs at business schools like Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management, which offers big data and cloud computing electives.
Opportunities include jobs with consulting firms like Accenture and Deloitte, which are also among the top employers of MBAs, or chances to work with disruptive tech companies like MongoDB, taking on big names like IBM and Oracle in designing more efficient and affordable databases.
Cloud architects earn an average base salary of $148k per year, but some roles reach higher than $230k at major firms like Oracle and Microsoft.
2. Enterprise architect
Average base salary: $153k+ a year | Top recruiters: PwC, IBM
This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and technical skills. As an enterprise architect, you’ll be responsible for things like improving business efficiency, reducing costs, and improving sustainability while managing your organization’s IT systems.
Enterprise architects can progress to roles such as chief architect and chief technology officer.
Expect a generous salary, too: in the US, the average pay for experienced enterprise architects is $199,000 per year, with some roles reaching highs of $253k, making it one of the highest-paying tech jobs. Top firms like PwC and IBM hire enterprise architects.
1. Chief technology officer (CTO)
Average base salary: $193k+ | Top recruiters: IBM, Amazon
As the CTO of an organization, you’ll manage the company’s use of technology, setting policies, and heading research and development.
It’s a lucrative role that MBA holders can fill, using strategic knowledge combined with technology expertise to drive important decisions. As a result, you can head up technology within major tech firms like IBM and Amazon.
Being in an executive position, you’ll bag a generous salary, reaching an average total compensation package of $324,000 per year in the US, according to Glassdooer.
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All salaries are sourced from Glassdoor and reflect average base salaries for employees in the US. Hiring companies were sourced from Glassdoor and LinkedIn.
