20 Highest Paying Business Majors In 2022

We analyzed job growth and salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and compared it to degree data from the National Center for Educational Statistics to determine which fields offered the best value for money. Business degrees hold 14 of the top 50 spots in our ranking – including three in the top 10, making it one of the most popular majors in the country. So in this article, we will be discussing the highest paying business majors in 2022. 

However, with so many specializations to choose from, how can students be certain they’re making the right decision? Find out which business degrees are the best and which offer the highest salaries. 

Top 20 Business Majors in 2022

For good reason, business is a popular degree option. With high salaries, rapid job growth, and opportunities in a wide range of industries, business is an excellent choice for a career. However, not all business degrees and majors are the same. Some have different prerequisites, study paths, and can lead to very different jobs! According to our findings, the following are the 20 business fields with the highest potential ROI:

1. Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

People assume that studying entrepreneurship automatically implies that you intend to start your own business. Indeed, many questioned whether business schools could even teach entrepreneurship or if the necessary skills were innate. However, many employers now value entrepreneurship education. After all, businesses require people who understand how to grow a business.

Currently, nearly 500 schools offer entrepreneurship programs. Typically, students learn how to write business plans, create elevator pitches, market ideas, and fundraise. In recent years, Steve Blank’s Lean LaunchPad curriculum has inspired professors to abandon business plans in favor of having students test real-world business ideas as part of their coursework.

Programs are rapidly evolving and expanding. Graduates have taken the best business jobs in multinational corporations as well as small and large startups. Of course, many of them are also attempting to be their bosses and start their businesses.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $111,673

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 9.58%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $14,164

The number of schools that offer these highest paying business majors: 494

2. General Business/Commerce

Business degrees are popular because the skills taught in these programs can be applied to almost any field. Because this is a generalist degree, the coursework will cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to working in the business world today. Students typically learn about data analysis and interpretation, basic accounting, teamwork, and communication. As one of the highest paying business jobs out of college, graduates frequently work as human relations representatives, store managers, customer service coordinators, or salespeople, to name a few of the best business jobs.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $91,427

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 119.2%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $15,023

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 1,597

3. General Business Administration and Management

This degree, like the general business degree, requires students to look at the big picture of businesses. In addition to the fundamentals, they are usually exposed to ethics, leadership, financial analysis, and global issues. Graduates may seek employment as financial advisors or analysts, advertising and promotions managers, human resource supervisors, or administrative services managers.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $91,427

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 119.2%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $15,705

The number of schools that offer these highest paying business majors: 5,704

4. Marketing/Marketing Management

Marketing has changed dramatically in the last decade, which means there is a high demand for newly minted marketers who are on the cutting edge of what’s going on in the industry. Marketing nowadays is all about branding, maintaining an active social media presence, and maximizing technology. It can also refer to defending a company’s reputation in times of crisis. 

Marketing students frequently learn how to better understand their target audience, how to use technology to their advantage, and how to keep brands visible. Graduates may find work in marketing divisions of consumer packaged goods companies, advertising agencies, or public relations firms – making it one of the highest paying business jobs out of college.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $92,312

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 14.44%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $17,036

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 1,588

5. Management Information Systems

MIS refers to individuals who assist businesses in managing their investments in equipment, personnel, and services. Students in these programs essentially learn about business concepts and technology to use computer systems to solve business problems. This degree is appealing to employers because technology is changing at such a rapid pace. Among the possible career paths for graduates are database administrator and system analyst.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $100,045

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 11.82%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $16,001

The number of schools that offer these highest paying business majors: 1,097

6. Accounting and Finance

Because death and taxes are the only certainties in life, accountants are in high demand. Accounting and finance students learn how to read financial statements, navigate financial laws, and manage budgets. Of course, they learn how to file taxes correctly as well. As one of the highest paying business jobs out of college, most graduates end up working for accounting firms or in corporate accounting departments.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $81,568

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 10%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $11,465

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 115

7. Accounting and Business Management

Students pursuing this highest paying business major will most likely take many of the same courses as those studying accounting and finance. The difference is that more emphasis will be placed on leadership, developing strategies and visions, and balancing the bottom line with doing well for the greater community.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $85,387

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 12%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $14,014

The number of schools that offer these highest paying business majors: 289

8. Retail Management

The comparatively low average salary is what stands out about studying this highest paying business major. Despite this, the sheer number of opportunities available to graduates in this field makes it stand out. With a diverse range of related easy business jobs that pay well and a relatively low average tuition cost, it’s no surprise that this degree ranks among the top ten. Retail management students learn how to keep stores running smoothly, manage employees, provide customer service, and find new ways to attract customers.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $69,583

Projections for easy business jobs that pay well (2012-2022): 5%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $6,926

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 51

9. Operations Management and Supervision

Operations managers are the people who keep a company running smoothly and efficiently. Their job is to evaluate quality, systems, and product and service development to ensure that everything is in sync. Along with business fundamentals, operations management students can expect to take courses in project management, integrated cost and schedule control, and decision modeling and analysis. 

Some may also look into the effects of a global economy on operations, supply chain management, and manufacturing. Grads frequently begin in line associate positions with specific responsibilities, such as inventory monitoring, and can advance to plant manager, for example.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $80,511

Job Creation Expected: (2012-2022): 10.23%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $14,664

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 336

10. International Business/Trade/Commerce

International business refers to commercial transactions between governments and businesses from various countries. Students in this field learn about business fundamentals from a cross-cultural perspective. Top programs frequently have students studying, interning, or traveling abroad. Cultural habits and foreign language courses are usually required. Jobs range from managing imports and exports to advising on foreign currency investment and consulting on management abroad.

Business Jobs Salary on Average: $114,387

Expected Job Projection: (2012-2022): 10%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $21,290

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 834

11. Management Science

The key to resolving complex business problems is management science. Math and science are used by experts in the field to plan systems and processes that keep businesses running smoothly. Of course, to prepare for such a career, students must take advanced math and science courses. Graduates may be able to find work optimizing an assembly line, forecasting trends, or scheduling flights for airlines.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $104,448

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 14.77%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $21,941

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 165

12. Public Administration

People with most business degrees are clamoring for the highest paying business jobs out of college in the private sector. This degree is for those who want to apply business principles to the public or nonprofit sectors. These programs will cover fiscal administration, advocacy, and leadership through the lens of the public sector, in relation to business. Graduates typically work in federal, state, or local government or for a nonprofit organization.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $86,056

Job Creation Projection: (2012-2022): 5%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $17,765

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 754

13. International Marketing

International marketing coursework is similar to general marketing coursework. The distinction is that students in these programs will examine everything through the lens of the global marketplace. They, like those studying international business, will need to focus on the cultural complexities and languages of various regions of the world. Graduates may seek positions that require them to travel or even live abroad as international marketing staff, with the possibility of progressing to managerial positions.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $86,380

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 19%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $16,647

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 21

14. Credit Management

Someone has to hold people accountable by making them pay their bills. Credit managers are responsible for collecting payments from customers on behalf of businesses or financial institutions. The stark contrast between the average annual tuition cost of $4,733 and the average salary of nearly $70,000 is what stands out about this career path. 

Some students choose to study one of the highest paying business majors and then pursue a career in credit management, others pursue a more specialized path that includes courses such as credit law, selling practices, and money management.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $69,608

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 113.3%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $4,733

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 4

15. General Finance

Because of the allure of Wall Street and other financial districts, finance is one of the highest paying business majors. In school, students typically study economic and financial data analysis, as well as risk management. Many graduates go on to work as analysts or in multinational corporations’ finance departments. They may also consider careers as personal financial advisors or in financial institution sales.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $86,763

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 114.4%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $20,450

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 1,162

16. Small Business Administration/Management

Not everyone aspires to be a cog in a multinational corporation. Some people prefer to work for smaller companies, such as mom-and-pop shops. In that case, they could study small businesses. Students in these programs are exposed to many of the same courses as those in an entrepreneurship program, but the issues are often scaled down to apply to small businesses. 

Finance, accounting, human resources, and other fundamentals are among the topics typically covered in the curriculum. Graduating students may start their businesses or work for small or family-owned businesses which turns out to be one of the highest paying business jobs out of college.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $103,530

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 59.0%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $7,991

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 161

17. Accounting

Accounting students typically study tax law, budgets, and financial statements. They frequently perform tasks similar to those who study finance and business management in addition to accounting but may have a slightly more specialized, niche program. Many of these graduates work for accounting firms or in corporate accounting departments. While some people provide personal accounting services to the general public which makes it one of the highest paying business jobs out of college.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $66,973

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 7.78%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $17,199

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 3,030

18. Organizational Leadership

Some may refer to this degree as “touchy-feely,” but it is truly the wave of the future. Modern businesses want to do more than just make a profit. Today’s executives want to respond to the Millennials’ call by running their businesses in a more personable manner. Enter organizational leadership students, who research emotional intelligence and how to get the most out of your employees. 

Human resources, team building, morale boosters, and crisis management are frequently covered topics. The responsibilities for these highest paying business jobs out of college could include working in a human resources department, a training and development organization, or even a higher education institution.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $77,495

Best Business Jobs Projection: (2012-2022): 166.65%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $19,232

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 183

19. Marketing Research

Companies are inundated with data, thanks in part to technological advancements. As a result, they require individuals who can interpret that data and translate it into sound and profitable policies, products, and services. That’s where marketing researchers come in. The research market conditions determine the viability of products and services before they are launched, allowing their employers to avoid costly mistakes. Courses in communications, software tools, and marketing management are frequently offered.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $76,715

Expected Job Projection: (2012-2022): 19%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $20,299

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 18

20. Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations

This degree program requires students to study business finance, marketing research, organizational behavior, promotions and campaigns, and marketing management. Many graduates go into advertising and public relations. While the focus of such programs is marketing and the practice of persuading consumers to buy a product or service, students are also typically exposed to general business theories.

Salary of Related Professions on Average: $55,520

Job Creation Expected: (2012-2022): 6.30%

Average Annual Tuition Cost: $8,558

The number of schools that offer programs in this field: 280

Conclusion

The best business jobs are expected to grow 10% over the next ten years in all areas, making this an excellent time to enter the field. Depending on the degree you choose, you will be able to pursue a variety of easy business jobs that pay well. We hope this article has helped you compare some of the highest paying business majors, along with their average annual salary and the specialization required for each.

If you want to make money, a career in business is for you. But keep in mind that there are other very important factors to consider when deciding on a field to enter. If you’re already convinced that business is the right path for you, make sure your future earnings will cover the cost of your education to get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Highest Paying Business Majors in 2022?

Marketing, consulting, finance, healthcare management, and environmental management are the fastest growing business fields.

What Are The Best Business Degrees?

If you combine the right degree level with a relevant specialization, you will make the most of your education. The following are the top five highest-paying business degrees:

• MBA
• Master’s in Finance
• Bachelor’s in Marketing
• Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor’s in Information Systems Management

What Are The Top 10 Paying Business Degree Jobs

• VP Sales and Marketing ($176,000): MBA in Sales or Marketing
• Chief Executive Officer ($131,000): MBA in Management, Operations, Entrepreneurship, or Sales
• Finance Manager ($118,000): MBA in Management, Operations, or Entrepreneurship
• Director of Marketing ($115,000): BA/MBA in Marketing, International Business, or Sales
• Budget Director ($113,000): BA/MBA in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Operations, or Economics
• Actuary ($97,000): BA/MBA in Finance, Economics, or Accounting
• Business Operations Manager ($97,000): MBA in Management, Operations, or Entrepreneurship
• Medical and Health Services Manager ($94,000): BA/MBA in Health Administration, Management, Operations, or Entrepreneurship
• Financial Analyst ($80,000): BA/MBA in Finance, Accounting, or Economics
• Operations Research Analyst ($78,000): BA/MBA in Operations, Management, or Business Analysis

What Is The Average Salary for Business Majors?

Business graduates earn a wide range of salaries. Salaries range from hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-level executives in lucrative companies to $50,000 for some low-level managers in industries such as food service. Salary in the business world is determined by degree level, prior experience, industry, and job location. 

However, degree type and specialization are two factors that can guarantee you a higher salary and over which you have direct control. As long as you select the appropriate degree specialization, you will undoubtedly earn more money than your peers. 

Doing well in school, gaining extra school or work experience, and pursuing higher-paying industries are other ways to ensure a high salary. Salary information and company reviews can be found on websites such as Glassdoor.