The Salaries of Managers in Diverse Industry Leadership Positions

Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates are in demand for managerial roles in virtually every industry, in the United States and around the world. An overwhelming 91% of U.S. respondents to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2022 Corporate Recruiters Survey reported feeling confident or highly confident that graduate business education prepared students to be successful in their organizations. More than 70% of surveyed recruiters also agree that graduates tend to occupy leadership roles in their organizations and are on the fast-track to the C-suite.

Clearly, companies value the expertise and skills that MBA graduates bring to their positions. Fitchburg State University offers eight accredited, fully online MBA programs, designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The online program design allows students to continue working, earning and advancing their careers while completing their MBA studies.

Demand for MBA Graduates in Managerial Roles Is Strong

GMAC reports that 92% of corporate recruiters anticipate hiring “newly minted” MBA candidates in 2022. With the U.S. economy and job market on a post-pandemic rebound and MBA hiring projections soaring, a robust pipeline of MBA graduates will be needed going forward.

Career options for aspiring managers are broadening across industries, with 8% job growth expected between 2021 and 2031. As explained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently.” BLS predicts this will result in roughly 1.1 million job openings for managers each year. Plus, the median annual salary for management occupations was $102,450  in May 2021, which was the highest among major occupational groups.

Management opportunities for which many recent MBA graduates qualify are abundant. This broad demand makes the MBA one of the most versatile graduate degrees for ambitious professionals. The degree’s versatility provides career-long flexibility and adaptability for a rapidly changing world.

The following positions are just a few of the management opportunities available to MBA graduates, with median salaries as of May 2021, according to BLS data.

Managerial Positions with Median Salaries for MBA Graduates

Top Executive, $98,980: This aggregate median from BLS represents positions ranging from general and operations executives up to the C-suite, including the chief executive officer (CEO), where salaries can rise into the seven-figure range. Business executives devise and implement strategies to grow their businesses and meet key objectives. Among their many roles are planning, directing and coordinating operational activities of their organizations.

Marketing, Advertising, Promotions Manager, $133,380: This position oversees the planning, execution and implementation of multifaceted marketing plans to help companies grow. Marketing managers plan campaigns, set budgets, analyze data and manage staff.

General/Operations Manager, $97,970: This jack-of-all-trades role oversees daily operations of organizations, which includes policy creation, purchasing, inventory, recruiting and contract negotiations with partners and suppliers.

Computer and Information Systems Manager, $159,010: In this role, managers plan and direct the information technology and computer-related activities of an organization. They help determine IT objectives, assign projects to teams and devise systems to meet goals.

Financial Manager, $131,710: This position oversees an organization’s finances. Financial managers work with teams to produce financial reports and profit projections, ensuring that their organizations are financially successful while following federal and state laws.

Medical and Health Services Manager, $101,340: Also known as healthcare executives and administrators, these managers ensure that their organizations are operating efficiently and in compliance with health laws and regulations. They work with insurers, medical providers and other medical and health services professionals in what has become an increasingly complex industry.

Human Resources Manager, $126,230: HR managers plan and coordinate all the administrative personnel functions of their organizations. These include staffing, recruiting, interviewing, pre-screening, hiring, firing, benefits administration, workplace policies and strategic organizational planning. They often liaise between management and employees.

Administrative Services and Facilities Manager, $99,290: These professionals run the operations of a facility, whether it is a sports, entertainment, educational, business or government facility. They manage property and buildings, oversee a team of specialized personnel and ensure that financial obligations are met.

Architectural and Engineering Manager, $152,350: Professionals in this position work in offices, at facilities and on research and construction sites. The work involves managing, planning and directing the activities of personnel involved in architectural and engineering operations, which range from homebuilders to deep sea drilling firms.

Management Analyst: $93,000: This type of consultant analyzes and advises companies on their management practices. Management analysts often work for large consulting firms and about 15% are self-employed. They help to identify organizational problems that may be keeping a company from meeting its objectives.

This is a small sample of management opportunities available to MBA graduates. A more complete list could fill an entire book. MBA graduates enjoy the portability of the degree from one industry to another, as well as the broad range of challenging and lucrative positions available within any one field.

Learn more about Fitchburg State’s online MBA programs.