11 High-Paying Jobs for Business Majors

Updated July 31, 2023

Earning a business degree may help you learn a variety of skills that can apply to many industries. Almost every company needs business professionals to ensure their operations function at the highest level. Learning more about the available business positions in each industry allows you to create a more refined job search.

In this article, we review 11 jobs that typically require a business degree and list companies that regularly hire these positions.

Business degree job opportunities

There are two common business degrees you can obtain. A Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration is an undergraduate degree that usually takes four years to complete. After receiving your BBA, you can pursue a Master of Business Administration or MBA. You can usually graduate from an MBA program in two to three years.

There are many jobs you can get with either degree, including:

1. Human resources specialist

National average salary: $52,723 per year

Primary duties: Human resources specialists handle basic employee functions. They recruit, screen and interview prospective candidates. Common duties also include helping employees with benefits, maintaining communication between team members and managers and assisting with salary negotiations. Human resources specialists typically resolve any issues employees have that relate to their role or company.

They should have a strong understanding of their business’ policies and guidelines to ensure that the company operates safely and effectively. In addition to their company’s policies, human resources specialists need to follow government employee regulations regarding workplace safety, maximum hours worked and more. Most large companies in various industries hire human resources specialists.

Requirements: Human resources specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree, though many companies require a master’s degree.

2. Accountant

National average salary: $58,508 per year

Primary duties: Accountants maintain companies’ financial operations. They review and analyze financial records and data to ensure accuracy. In addition to analyzing financial data, they prepare company reports on budgets for managers and executives to create business plans. They also direct accounts payable and receivable functions. Many professionals on this career path choose to become a certified public accountant to increase their range of job opportunities. Accountants can find jobs in almost any industry.

Requirements: Accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree.

3. Investment banker

National average salary: $60,489 per year

Primary duties: Investment bankers help individuals or companies manage their financial portfolios. To reduce a business’ expenses, an investment banker might help the company raise money or identify where they are spending too much. Investment bankers need to be able to identify market trends to make informed investments for their clients. In most cases, they issue bonds and buy stocks when necessary. Many financial firms hire investment bankers, though they can also perform independent consulting.

Requirements: Investment bankers need a bachelor’s degree at a minimum, though many companies require an MBA.

4. Loan officer

National median salary: $63,380 per year (BLS)

Primary duties: Loan officers determine if a financial institution should grant an individual or business a loan. They review applications and evaluate financial data to verify the information. A common duty for a loan officer is to guide the applicant through the borrowing process so they understand all of the rules and regulations. Loan officers usually work in specific borrowing areas, such as commercial or residential. Most banks and lending companies employ loan officers.

Requirements: Most financial institutions require a bachelor’s degree. Mortgage loan officers need to obtain a mortgage loan originator license.

5. Research analyst

National average salary: $61,958 per year

Primary duties: Research analysts use data analytics to prepare reports for financial use. They research specific markets to determine trends and develop strategies to increase a product’s profitability. Many research analysts work with a marketing team to monitor sales methods. A variety of industries and companies need research analysts.

Requirements: Research analysts usually need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions.

6. Business development manager

National average salary: $72,048 per year

Primary duties: Business development managers help companies grow by finding leads, identifying market trends and developing financial strategies. They work with internal teams and clients to ensure customer satisfaction. By closely following their industries and possessing a complete understanding of their product or service, they can assist with their company’s financial growth and success. Business development managers can find positions in nearly any industry.

Requirements: Business development managers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.

7. Financial advisor

National average salary: $78,987 per year

Primary duties: Financial advisors, or financial planners, help individuals budget their finances. They evaluate salaries and assets to develop a long-term strategy for their clients’ needs. Many financial advisors help their clients increase their assets by researching market trends and making reliable investments. Other duties can include estate planning, debt management and tax budgeting. Investment and advisory businesses employ financial advisors.

Requirements: Most financial advisors need a bachelor’s degree.

8. Business analyst

National average salary: $79,884 per year

Primary duties: Business analysts use evaluation skills to provide a variety of services in many industries. They work with data to analyze business opportunities and make suggestions to improve company processes. Most business analysts work with a team to develop information technology solutions for companies and clients. One of the most important functions of a business analyst is to communicate with all parties of a project to ensure a project or plan operates smoothly. Healthcare and information technology industries often hire business analysts.

Requirements: Business analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree.

9. Controller

National average salary: $101,757 per year

Primary duties: Controllers are responsible for all accounting functions for their companies. They oversee accounting departments to ensure all financial activities operate smoothly. In many cases, controllers supervise accounting employees, including managing their work, offering guidance and assigning projects as needed. Controllers must have a thorough knowledge of their company’s finances and tax laws to be successful. Most large companies in any industry need controllers.

Requirements: Most controllers need an MBA, though some businesses will accept a bachelor’s degree with extensive accounting experience.

10. Product manager

National average salary: $102,100 per year

Primary duties: Product managers work with a project team to ensure the success of a service or good. They review a product’s functionality to determine whether they can improve it for customers. Product managers need a thorough understanding of their product’s market to create a satisfying service. An important part of a product manager’s job is to communicate with their team so they know the progress of the project and can make adjustments when needed. Technology companies employ a large number of product managers, though most industries hire them.

Requirements: Many companies require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.

11. Actuary

National average salary: $116,980 per year

Primary duties: Actuaries help companies assess and analyze financial risks. They need a variety of mathematical skills to review data and statistics to evaluate potential opportunities. Other job duties can include suggesting policies to minimize potential risks, using methods to better understand uncertain financial areas of a business and creating projections based on numerical data. Many insurance companies employ actuaries, though they can work for a variety of businesses.

Requirements: To become an actuary, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Actuaries also need to pass a series of certification exams, which usually takes four to five years.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median annual wage for business graduates?

According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business graduates is $65,000 per year. Within the business degree field, students can choose to major in a specific field of study, such as marketing, accounting, finance or management. They may earn a higher salary, depending on their chosen major and the job opportunities it can provide.

What's the top-employing occupation for people with a business degree?

Financial managers have the highest job outlook based on BLS data, and the demand for the role is likely to increase by 17% through 2031. As the economy grows, the demand for financial managers to plan, coordinate and manage investments is likely to increase as well. As globalization increases, many businesses are likely to require financial managers to better manage their cash.

How do business majors find jobs?

Many business programs offer students the opportunity to participate in networking events and career fairs while completing their degree. Signing up for these events can make it easier to apply for a wide range of job opportunities and find your ideal position after graduation. While completing your degree, consider touring the companies you want to work at and asking about open positions. Understanding their requirements can help you better prepare for the application process.