What Can You Do With a Business Degree? Jobs & Salaries

<p>A business degree can lead to a variety of career paths across industries such as finance, marketing, human resources, and operations. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's or an advanced degree, the skills gained in a business program&mdash;like problem-solving, strategic planning, and data analysis&mdash;are highly transferable. </p> <p>If you're exploring business degree jobs, it helps to compare salaries, job outlook, and the education requirements for different roles. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/high_paying_business_jobs.html">business jobs that pay well</a> offer strong income potential and long-term growth, especially with the right combination of experience and credentials. </p> <p>Below are 15 in-demand business degree careers, each with details on what the job entails, salary expectations, and employment outlook. </p> <h2 id="section---BusinessDegreeJobsAndSalaries">Business Degree Jobs and Salaries</h2> <p>Whether you're interested in a career in finance or tech, a business degree can open you up to a wide range of options post-graduation. Explore these business degree careers, ranked from highest to lowest salary. </p> <p><b><i>The following salary and job outlook information was gathered from reputable sources such as the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.</i></b> </p> <h3 id="section---1.FinancialManager">1. Financial Manager</h3> <p>When a company needs to stay financially healthy, financial managers are the ones steering the ship. They oversee budgeting, prepare reports, and advise leadership on key investment decisions. In this high-level role, you're not just crunching numbers; you're shaping the future of the business. Most employers look for candidates with a business or finance degree and several years of financial experience. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $156,100 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 16% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---2.MarketingManager">2. Marketing Manager</h3> <p>Creative thinking meets strategic planning in this fast-paced role. Marketing managers lead campaigns that connect products with the right audience, analyzing data and setting goals that boost visibility and sales. You'll often collaborate across departments to craft compelling brand messages. Most professionals in this position have a business or marketing degree and years of hands-on marketing experience. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $158,280 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook</b>: 6% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---3.CompensationAndBenefitsManager">3. Compensation and Benefits Manager</h3> <p>With a bachelor's degree in business, you can work in a lucrative role as a compensation and benefits manager. These professionals analyze market data, develop competitive pay structures, and ensure legal compliance. Their decisions directly impact employee satisfaction and retention. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $139,560 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 2% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---4.SalesManager">4. Sales Manager</h3> <p>Sales managers keep the revenue engine running. They lead teams, track sales goals, and create strategies that convert leads into loyal customers. While the job involves high stakes and performance pressure, it also offers big rewards. Those with a background in business or marketing, paired with real-world sales experience, are best equipped to move into a managerial position. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $130,600 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 4% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---5.HumanResourcesManager">5. Human Resources Manager</h3> <p>If you're someone who has both strategic insight and strong people skills, using your business degree to become a human resources manager could be a great fit. From hiring top talent to mediating workplace disputes, HR managers play a critical role in shaping an organization's culture. They also oversee benefits, compliance, and training initiatives. Most HR managers have a business degree with a human resources concentration, and many pursue certifications like SHRM-CP. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $130,000 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 5% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---6.OperationsManager">6. Operations Manager</h3> <p>If you enjoy fixing inefficiencies and streamlining systems, this role might suit you. Operations managers oversee day-to-day functions, making sure everything from staffing to workflow runs smoothly. Their work directly impacts customer satisfaction and cost control. You might choose a degree in business administration or operations, and focus on gaining experience in team leadership or logistics. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $122,860 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> Steady demand across multiple sectors </p> <h3 id="section---7.ProjectManager">7. Project Manager</h3> <p>Whether it's a software rollout or a building renovation, project managers keep initiatives on track. They build timelines, assign tasks, and troubleshoot issues before they derail progress. The ability to juggle priorities and communicate clearly is essential. Business degree holders often add certifications like PMP or Scrum Master to qualify for more specialized roles. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $90,000 to $110,000 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> Strong across tech, construction, and healthcare industries </p> <h3 id="section---8.ManagementAnalyst">8. Management Analyst</h3> <p>Management analysts are problem-solvers who step in when companies need to cut costs or improve efficiency. A business degree can prepare you to analyze systems, collect data, and present strategies for change. The job suits analytical thinkers with a talent for seeing the big picture. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $95,290 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 10% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---9.FinancialAnalyst">9. Financial Analyst</h3> <p>If you have a degree in business or finance, you might consider a career as a financial analyst. These professionals dive deep into financial data to help companies decide where to invest. Financial analysts combine research with business savvy to review earnings reports, track economic trends, and model outcomes using spreadsheets and forecasting tools. Many people on this career track choose to pursue the CFA certification. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $96,220 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 8% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---10.LogisticsManager"> 10. Logistics Manager</h3> <p>A logistics manager's mission is simple: get the right product to the right place at the right time. They coordinate transportation, storage, and inventory for businesses large and small. This behind-the-scenes work is essential for supply chain efficiency. Many enter the field with a business degree focused on operations, paired with experience in warehousing or distribution. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $98,560 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 18% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---11.Accountant">11. Accountant</h3> <p>Accountants help keep businesses financially healthy and legally compliant. They track income and expenses, file taxes, and prepare reports that guide decision-making. This detail-heavy job appeals to those who enjoy structure and organization. A business degree with an accounting concentration is standard, and many professionals seek CPA licensure for advancement in their careers. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $79,880 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 4% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---12.InsuranceUnderwriter">12. Insurance Underwriter</h3> <p>Underwriters evaluate applications, set premiums, and decide coverage terms to determine the risks involved in insuring people and businesses. One of the benefits of exploring this career is that while technology is taking over some tasks, human judgment is still important for complex cases, so you'll likely have greater job security for the future. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $76,230 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> -2% growth from 2022 to 2032 due to automation </p> <h3 id="section---13.PublicRelationsSpecialist">13. Public Relations Specialist</h3> <p>PR specialists craft the messages that shape how the public sees a company. From press releases to social media campaigns, their work builds trust and brand recognition. This job requires excellent writing and people skills, often paired with a background in communications and business. PR specialists are commonly found in corporate marketing departments or media firms. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $67,440 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 6% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---14.RealEstateManager">14. Real Estate Manager</h3> <p>These professionals handle the business side of property ownership. They oversee leases, coordinate maintenance, collect rent, and ensure compliance with local laws. Some manage a handful of properties, while others run large portfolios. A business degree with real estate coursework is helpful, and state licensure may be required depending on the role. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> $67,310 annually </p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> 5% growth from 2022 to 2032 </p> <h3 id="section---15.EntrepreneurSmallBusinessOwner">15. Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner</h3> <p>Entrepreneurs create their own path, whether by launching a startup or running a local service business. While income varies widely, this route offers unmatched flexibility and creative control. A business degree provides a solid grounding in marketing, finance, and operations, all of which are tools that can make or break a new venture. </p> <p><b>Estimated salary:</b> Varies; many earn $50,000 to $100,000 depending on industry and <b>success </b></p> <p><b>Job outlook:</b> Dependent on industry trends and economic conditions </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBusinessDegreeCareers">FAQs about Business Degree Careers</h2> <p>If you're considering a business degree, you likely have questions about where it can take you. Below, we'll cover some of the most common concerns, including how versatile the degree is, whether graduate school is necessary, and how online programs are viewed by employers. </p> <h3 id="section---IsABusinessDegreeVersatile">Is a Business Degree Versatile?</h3> <p>A business degree offers one of the broadest career paths available. Graduates enter fields such as finance, marketing, healthcare administration, consulting, and technology. The degree teaches skills that translate across industries, including communication, budgeting, and project management. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsATypicalBusinessDegreeSalary">What Is a Typical Business Degree Salary?</h3> <p>Salary potential depends on the career path you choose and your level of experience. Entry-level positions such as accountants or business analysts typically pay between $55,000 and $65,000. Higher-level roles like financial managers command significantly more, earning a median salary of $161,700 per year, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedAMasterSDegreeForHighPayingBusinessRoles">Do I Need a Master's Degree for High-Paying Business Roles?</h3> <p>While it's not a requirement for all six-figure business careers, a master's degree will typically set you up for greater success in the business world. Many high-paying jobs, such as sales manager, operations manager, or marketing manager, require only a bachelor's degree and several years of experience, so it is possible to work your way up to a higher-paying role in business. However, a master's degree (especially an MBA) can boost your advancement opportunities or help you pivot into fields like strategy or consulting. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIWorkInTechWithABusinessDegree">Can I Work in Tech With a Business Degree?</h3> <p>Yes, many roles in tech companies require business expertise rather than technical skills. Project managers, product analysts, financial planners, and operations leads are often business graduates. While you don't need to code, learning tools like Excel, SQL, or Agile project methods can make you more competitive for tech-related roles and improve your ability to work alongside engineering teams. </p> <h3 id="section---AreOnlineBusinessDegreesRespectedByEmployers">Are Online Business Degrees Respected by Employers?</h3> <p>As long as the school is regionally accredited, most employers view online degrees just as they do traditional colleges. Online programs are especially appealing to working professionals or students balancing family obligations. Many institutions offer identical curricula and faculty for both formats, so earning your degree online doesn't mean sacrificing educational quality or career credibility. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreBusinessDegrees">Explore Business Degrees</h2> <p>If you're ready to take the next step, explore the many schools offering accredited business programs featured here on Learn.org. Contact a program of interest today and start your path to earning a business degree.</p>