Fortunately, to reclaim lost financial stability due to the pandemic, US companies are actively looking to fill gaps in their operations that demand the expertise and experience of an MBA graduate.
In 2020, the US News reported that the average starting annual salary for MBA graduates is around $79,000. This figure can go even higher depending on other factors such as the industry, the job role, and the city you’ll be working in.
To give you a good grasp of how much MBA graduates earn, we collected data and information to assist you in landing the right job with great wages.Â
MBA Salary Based on Industry
Depending on your chosen industry, your salary could go from $74,000 up to $140,00 per year. Other non-business sectors like entertainment, media, and real estate, also offer MBA graduates a six-figure annual salary.
 Here are some of the highest paying industries in the US arranged in ascending order:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Government | $74,825 |
| Human Resources | $92,046 |
| Transportation and Logistics | $100,726 |
| Manufacturing | $102,867 |
| Consumer Packaged Goods | $108,328 |
| Energy | $108,547 |
| Retail | $115,370 |
| Technology | $120,784 |
| Financial Services | $130,000 |
| Consulting | $140,187 |
Average MBA Salary by University
It’s easy to reap the financial benefits of earning an MBA regardless of which school you attended. However, it is evident that graduates from top-ranked business schools get paid relatively more.
Another great indicator of your salary as an MBA graduate is the university where you took your MBA. It doesn’t only give your resume an exponential impact, but also gives your salary a boost.
Here’s a quick look at the average annual MBA salary in top US universities:
| Business School | Average Annual Salary |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | $168,924 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | $173,438 |
| New York University (Stern) | $173,513 |
| Columbia University | $175,725 |
| Harvard University | $176,928 |
| Stanford University | $180,831 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | $181,927 |
High-Paying MBA Jobs
An MBA gives you access to many high-paying jobs in the US. We selected some of the highest paying MBA jobs for you to consider:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Strategy Manager | $121,464 |
| Director of Business Development | $105,883 |
| Senior Product Manager | $128,639 |
| Finance Manager | $120,000 |
| Management Consultant | $123,000 |
| Marketing Director | $121,000 |
| Information Technology Director | $147,000 |
| Operations Manager | $84,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer | $18,.000 |
Estimated Annual Salary Based on City
The city you’ll be working in also determines your wage. Here is the average annual salary for MBA jobs in some major cities in the US:
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $50,920 – $118,139 |
| Houston, Texas | $52,881 – $120,018 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $53,722 – $126,980 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $59,810 – $133,594 |
| New York, New York | $56,332 – $141,722 |
It’s only reasonable to want a high-paying job after earning your MBA. For more updates and stories about pursuing an MBA and landing an MBA job in the US, read out articles here at MSM Unify.Â
You May Also like
How Long Does an MBA Degree Take to Earn?
Executive MBA Programs in the US That Don’t Require GMAT
Google