MBA Salary: 2025 Guide

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has long been associated with increased access to leadership opportunities and a higher earning potential. However, completing an MBA degree program requires a significant investment of time and money, begging the question, does an MBA degree salary make it all worth it?

As the job market continues to evolve in 2025, working professionals and students alike want to know the true value of this particular graduate degree.

By familiarizing themselves with the latest MBA salary information, including salary statistics for specific positions held by many MBA graduates, individuals will be better equipped to decide if investing in an advanced degree is the right decision. 

MBA Salary

The median annual salary for MBA graduates was approximately $101,000 as of August 2025, according to Payscale. Although this figure is helpful, it doesn’t tell the entire story.

Every MBA graduate’s actual salary depends on several factors specific to that individual and their particular job. For example, a marketing manager in New York generally makes far more than one in Montana. And two MBA graduates at the same company with the same job title can have two significantly different salaries due to their different levels of experience.

Gaining a better understanding of MBA degree salary statistics takes identifying the factors that affect them. 

Key Factors That Influence MBA Salary

MBA graduates’ salaries are influenced by a number of static and dynamic factors such as the following.

1. Geographic Region

Salaries vary widely across locations, with organizations in major metropolitan areas and established business hubs typically offering higher compensation than what is offered in other areas. Indeed reports that Massachusetts, New York, and Washington are the states where employers pay the highest salaries, while those in Arkansas, West Virginia, and Mississippi pay the least. 

2. Experience Level

Seasoned professionals can command higher salaries than entry-level MBA graduates. For example, Payscale reports that marketing directors with up to four years of experience had a median salary of approximately $69,000 per year in August 2025. By comparison, marketing directors with more than 20 years of experience had a median salary closer to $123,000 per year.

3. Certifications and Specialized Training

Earning an MBA is a major educational benchmark that demonstrates a certain level of business knowledge and skill. Professional certifications and specialized training can complement a degree by showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and a foundation in specific skills.

Certifications that MBA graduates pursue include the following:

• Project management professional (PMP)
• Chartered financial analyst
• Certified public accountant (CPA)
• Lean Six Sigma 

4. Job Demand and Industry Trends

High demand for a certain type of professional or skill set can greatly influence how much the right candidate can earn. Sectors like technology, consulting, and finance often pay premium salaries for MBA talent with the right expertise. 

5. Company Profile

Top-tier consulting firms, major tech companies, and large financial institutions typically offer larger compensation packages than startups and burgeoning organizations. 

6. MBA Concentration

An MBA is considered a generalist degree by most institutions. However, MBA students often can choose a specific concentration, which can affect their job opportunities and salaries. For example, an investment firm might pay more for a candidate with an MBA with a concentration in finance, and an accounting firm might place a higher value on an MBA with an accounting specialty than on a general MBA.

MBA concentrations demonstrate specialized knowledge. Similar to professional certifications and training, some organizations are willing to pay more for it. 

MBA Career Paths and Salaries

MBA salaries can be influenced by a number of factors. Higher profile roles with greater responsibility typically offer a higher earning potential. The following are some popular MBA career paths and salaries. 

Accountant

Accountants manage financial records, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with tax and regulatory standards. With an MBA, accountants often take on more strategic responsibilities, such as evaluating business performance and advising leadership on financial planning. Many accountants move into senior roles such as financial controller or comptroller, where they oversee entire accounting departments.

The median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those in the top 10% of earners made upwards of $141,000 per year. 

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help their organization plan, monitor, and allocate its financial resources. They prepare forecasts, assess spending, and ensure budgets align with organizational goals. An MBA can elevate budget analysts into leadership positions where they influence long-term financial strategy and organizational growth.

The median budget analyst salary in 2024 was $87,930 per year, according to the BLS, with the highest paid 10% making more than $134,600 per year. 

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence (BI) analysts convert complex data into actionable insights for decision-makers. They use advanced tools to track trends, measure performance, and recommend improvements. BI analysts with MBAs often work closely with executives to guide corporate strategy and shape major business initiatives.

According to Payscale, the median salary for business intelligence analysts was approximately $78,000 per year as of August 2025, with the top 10% of earners making more than $107,000 per year. 

Business Operations Manager

Business operations managers oversee daily workflows, improve efficiency, and ensure that teams meet organizational goals. They focus on process optimization, resource allocation, and cost management. An MBA provides operations managers with leadership skills to manage large teams and contribute to broader business strategies.

The median annual salary for general and operations managers was $102,950 in 2024, according to the BLS. Those in the top 10th percentile of earners made more than $239,000 per year. 

Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers (CEOs) lead an organization by setting its vision, shaping its strategy, and driving its performance across all departments. Their responsibilities extend from managing operations to communicating with shareholders and stakeholders. An MBA equips CEOs with both the financial expertise and the leadership training necessary to guide a large and complex organization.

The BLS reports that CEOs had a median annual salary of approximately $206,420 in 2024, with those in the top 10% of earners making more than $239,000. Of all the potential MBA career paths and salaries, the CEO career path has the highest pay potential; CEOs Elon Musk of Tesla and Alexander Karp of Palantir Technologies, for example, are paid more than a billion dollars per year. 

Chief Financial Officer

Chief financial officers (CFOs) manage a company’s overall financial health, including its reporting, budgeting, and investment strategies. They also oversee compliance, manage risk, and communicate financial results to stakeholders. An MBA provides the strategic and analytical skills CFOs need to make high-level decisions that influence long-term organizational growth.

Payscale reports that CFOs had a median annual salary of approximately $153,000 in August 2025, with the highest earning 10% making more than $245,000. Like the CEO role, this is an executive role with a high MBA degree salary potential. 

Consultant

Consultants are problem-solvers who analyze business challenges and recommend solutions in a range of industries. They often work with executive teams on issues such as efficiency, profitability, and organizational change. MBA graduates frequently join prestigious consulting firms, where they earn competitive salaries and work on high-profile projects.

The BLS reports that management analysts, including consultants, had a median annual salary of $101,190 in 2024. Those in the top 10% of earners made more than $174,100 per year. 

Director of Engineering

Directors of engineering manage technical teams, oversee product development, and align engineering projects with company goals. They are responsible for hiring, project planning, and ensuring product quality. With an MBA, directors of engineering can combine technical expertise with leadership and business insight, which makes them effective at bridging engineering processes with organizational strategies.

Architectural and engineering managers had a median salary of $167,740 per year in 2024, according to the BLS. The highest paid 10% earned more than $239,000 per year. 

Director of Marketing

Marketing directors create and implement strategies to build brand awareness and increase revenue. They oversee campaigns, analyze market trends, and manage teams of marketers. An MBA helps marketing directors combine creative strategy-making competencies with analytical skills, enabling them to compete effectively in dynamic markets.

The BLS reports that marketing managers had a median salary of $161,030 per year in 2024. Those in the top 10% of earners made more than $239,000 per year. 

Director of Operations

Directors of operations ensure efficiency in production, logistics, and resource management. They play a critical role in aligning business processes with organizational objectives. With an MBA, they gain the skills needed to bring strategic oversight to operations and drive initiatives that improve performance across the company.

According to Payscale, the median annual director of operations salary was around $106,000 as of August 2025, with the top 10% of earners making more than $170,000 per year. 

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee an organization’s budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. They analyze financial data to guide business decisions and ensure profitability. An MBA enhances financial managers’ expertise, preparing them for senior finance leadership roles where they can shape company-wide financial strategies.

The median annual salary for financial managers was $161,700 in 2024, according to the BLS, with the top earning 10% making more than $239,000 per year. 

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators manage a department or function in a hospital, clinic, or other type of medical facility. They oversee budgets, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and optimize patient care services. An MBA gives them the business knowledge they need to improve operations efficiency and navigate the healthcare industry’s complex financial challenges.

The median salary for a medical and health services manager was $117,960 per year in 2024, according to the BLS. The highest paid 10% earned more than $219,000 per year.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources (HR) managers oversee recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and workplace culture. They are key to shaping policies that impact employees’ engagement and productivity. With an MBA, HR managers gain the strategic skills to align workforce management with overall organizational goals.

The BLS reports that the median salary for human resources managers in 2024 was $140,030 per year, with the highest paid 10% making more than $239,000 per year. 

Information Technology Director

Information technology (IT) directors develop and implement an organization’s technology strategy. They manage teams responsible for infrastructure, security, and digital innovation. With an MBA, IT directors can connect technical initiatives to business goals, ensuring IT infrastructure supports organizational growth.

The BLS reports that the median salary for computer and information systems managers in 2024 was $171,200 per year, with those in the top 10% of earners making more than $239,000. 

Investment Banker

Investment bankers help their clients raise capital, manage mergers and acquisitions, and handle complex financial transactions. Their work often involves high-stakes negotiations and deep financial analysis. An MBA opens doors to this competitive field and prepares investment bankers for senior roles with substantial earning potential.

Payscale reports that the median investment banker salary was approximately $115,500 per year as of May 2025, with the top 10% of earners making more than $250,000. 

Logistics Manager

Logistics managers coordinate supply chains, distribution networks, and inventory systems. They ensure goods are delivered on time and within budget. An MBA provides them with the knowledge and skills required to optimize operations and improve profitability across the supply chain.

The BLS reports that logisticians had a median annual salary of $80,880 in 2024, with the highest earning 10% making more than $132,000 per year. 

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical models to solve complex business problems. They help their organization improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize performance. An MBA equips operations research analysts to translate technical findings into strategic recommendations for executives.

According to the BLS, the median salary for operations research analysts in 2024 was $91,290 per year, with the highest paid 10% making more than $159,000. 

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research, evaluate, and develop recommendations for public or organizational policies. They assess the potential impact of proposed legislation or corporate strategies. An MBA strengthens their ability to analyze economic data and provide evidence-based solutions to leaders.

The median salary for policy analysts was $67,000 per year in August 2025, according to Payscale. The top 10% of earners made more than $96,000 per year. 

Purchasing Manager

Purchasing managers oversee procurement processes, negotiate with vendors, and secure cost-effective contracts. They play an important role in managing supply chain efficiency and ensuring quality standards. An MBA equips purchasing managers with the negotiation and financial analysis skills needed to maximize organizational value.

The median annual salary for purchasing managers was $139,510 in 2024, according to the BLS, with the highest paid 10% earning more than $219,000.

Sales Manager

Sales managers develop strategies to increase revenue, manage sales teams, and build customer relationships. They often oversee regional or national sales operations. With an MBA, sales managers can combine leadership skills with proficiency in developing data-driven strategies to drive growth in competitive markets.

The median salary for sales managers in 2024 was $138,060 per year, according to the BLS, with the top 10% of earners making more than $239,000.

Senior Product Manager

Senior product managers define product road maps, oversee product development, and ensure offerings meet customers’ needs. They work closely with cross-functional teams to align product features with business strategy. An MBA provides senior product managers with the strategic insight needed to lead product innovation and expand into higher-level executive roles.

The median annual salary for senior product managers was approximately $135,500 in August 2025, according to Payscale. Those in the top 10% of earners made more than $170,000 per year. 

Senior Project Manager

Senior project managers lead large, complex projects that involve multiple stakeholders, significant budgets, and strict timelines. They oversee project planning, risk management, and performance tracking. An MBA enhances their leadership and organizational skills, preparing them to handle high-profile projects that directly impact company strategy.

The median annual salary for senior project managers was approximately $104,500 in August 2025, according to Payscale, with the highest paid 10% making more than $142,000 per year. 

Earn a Degree That Offers a Solid Return on Your Investment

MBA degree salaries in 2025 continue to reflect the MBA’s enduring value. For those willing to invest in the journey toward earning an MBA, the return on investment can be substantial, especially for those interested in pursuing C-suite and other executive roles.  

As you evaluate degree programs, MBA career paths, and salaries, it’s important to consider what aspects of business you’re especially passionate about. The ideal career is one that strikes a balance between satisfying compensation and personal fulfillment.