The 15 highest-paying jobs for business majors
Business is a popular degree. In fact, it accounts for fully one-third of all bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S.
That's according to database PayScale, whose 2016-2017 College Salary Report highlights the best jobs for business majors by salary potential, among other information, to help you choose the right degree and school for you. The ranking is based on the median salary of alumni with 10 or more years of experience.
Chief investment officer tops the list, with an impressive income of $187,000 a year. Chief accounting officer claims the #2 spot, with mid-career pay of $176,000.
Here's the full list, including job descriptions, from PayScale:
15. Budget director
Budget directors are responsible for overseeing how budgets are implemented within an organization and attempt to balance the budget or even create a surplus.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $113,000
14. Finance director
Finance directors generally lead a finance team in creating strategic plans regarding the company's finances; this includes accounting duties, financial analyses and projections.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $115,000
13. Bank examiner
Bank examiners are a type of financial auditor that functions as part of a control system in the financial market. Their main responsibility is to ensure that banks and similar financial institutions are operating in a way that is ethical and legal.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $117,000
12. Regional controller
The position of financial controller, or comptroller, involves managing financial departments of a company. These departments can include the accounting department, budget department, audit department, and any other finance-related departments.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $118,000
11. Stock plan administration manager
Stock plan administration managers play a vital role in helping businesses provide compensation, bonuses, and incentives to encourage employees and create and maintain a motivational reward system based on the company's success.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $120,000
10. Director of accounting and financial reporting
Directors of accounting and financial reporting are in charge of managing a team of financial professionals to complete all accounting and finance-related tasks for their company.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $122,000
9. Chief credit officer
A chief credit officer is a senior company executive whose job is to develop and manage a company's overall credit strategy.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $131,000
8. Chief financial officer (CFO)
Chief financial officers (CFOs) oversee financial operations. Their work is essential to project a favorable company image while also saving the company money.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $136,000
7. Internal audit director
The internal audit director works with internal company resources and employees to evaluate and optimize financial functions.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $140,000
6. Director, financial planning and analysis
Directors of financial planning and analysis supervise the development, implementation, and subsequent ongoing maintenance of financial data reporting to ensure the overall accuracy of that data.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $141,000
5. Vice president (VP), finance
Vice presidents of finance are typically near the top of a business hierarchy. They keep their business profitable and keep an eye on spending.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $147,000
4. Tax director
A business tax director is responsible for creating, planning, and implementing a cohesive business tax strategy. Their primary responsibility is the preparation and completion of tax reports.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $159,000
3. Partner, accounting firm
Typically, there are two types of accounting firm partners: equity partners and salaried partners.
Equity partners are the highest-level individuals in the business, as they have usually invested some of their own money. Salaried partners are those who have not invested directly in the business but who are eligible for profit-sharing.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $168,000
2. Chief accounting officer (CAO)
Chief accounting officers (CAOs) are in charge of the accounting departments of their institutions. They are responsible for their company's accounting operations and financial reporting functions.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $176,000
1. Chief investment officer (CIO)
Chief investment officers (CIOs) are in charge of raising capital and negotiating investment deals on behalf of their companies.
Median salary 10 years after graduating: $187,000
