What鈥檚 the Average MBA Salary in 2023?
Nov 08, 2023
Before embarking on a career path, it's essential to weigh various aspects. This includes considering whether the field complements your goals, stirs your passion, promises a bright professional future, and offers satisfactory earning potential.
Among the many career options, pursuing an MBA stands out for numerous compelling reasons, with salary being a significant draw. Read on as we look into the average MBA salary and the influential factors that shape it, providing valuable insights if you're contemplating this career choice.
What Is the Average Salary for MBA Graduates?
As of September 2023, the average annual salary for individuals in the MBA job category within the United States is an impressive . It's worth noting that this category exhibits a broad spectrum of earning potential, with annual incomes ranging from as high as $218,000 to as low as $19,000.
However, most salaries of MBA graduates currently fall within a more concentrated range. Specifically, about 25% of professionals earn around $97,000 or below (at the 25th percentile), while approximately 75% of individuals enjoy incomes ranging from $97,000 to $193,000 (at the 75th percentile). This indicates the diverse yet lucrative opportunities within the MBA job sector.
MBA Salaries by State
Across different states, salaries for MBA jobs vary significantly. shows that only six states have average salaries higher than the overall average in the United States. These states, which are Washington, New York, California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Nevada, have impressive figures that reflect a strong economy and high demand for MBA professionals. On the other hand, the lowest-paying states for MBA professionals are Kentucky, North Carolina, and Arkansas.
Below are all 50 states, along with their respective average salaries:
- Alabama, $109,416 per year
- Alaska, $130,334 per year
- Arizona, $129,473 per year
- Arkansas, $103,276 per year
- California, $149,561 per year
- Colorado, $118,356 per year
- Connecticut, $125,625 per year
- Delaware, $118,933 per year
- Florida, $109,301 per year
- Georgia, $127,275 per year
- Hawaii, $132,674 per year
- Idaho, $129,376 per year
- Illinois, $122,838 per year
- Indiana, $129,515 per year
- Iowa, $126,529 per year
- Kansas, $112,416 per year
- Kentucky, $104,947 per year
- Louisiana, $109,269 per year
- Maine, $135,999 per year
- Maryland, $120,711 per year
- Massachusetts, $138,241 per year
- Michigan, $113,244 per year
- Minnesota, $131,049 per year
- Mississippi, $116,931 per year
- Missouri, $112,601 per year
- Montana, $124,215 per year
- Nebraska, $109,548 per year
- Nevada, $137,801 per year
- New Hampshire, $128,063 per year
- New Jersey, $135,097 per year
- New Mexico, $122,237 per year
- New York, $153,111 per year
- North Carolina, $104,337 per year
- North Dakota, $126,552 per year
- Ohio, $121,825 per year
- Oklahoma, $114,858 per year
- Oregon, $134,236 per year
- Pennsylvania, $128,086 per year
- Rhode Island, $126,792 per year
- South Carolina, $114,274 per year
- South Dakota, $126,648 per year
- Tennessee, $119,241 per year
- Texas, $133,924 per year
- Utah, $119,280 per year
- Vermont, $137,838 per year
- Virginia, $120,894 per year
- Washington, $162,890 per year
- West Virginia, $110,366 per year
- Wisconsin, $135,009 per year
- Wyoming, $130,695 per year
This diversity in salary averages highlights the significant impact of regional factors, industry concentrations, and cost of living on compensation packages. Therefore, it's important to consider geographic location when evaluating opportunities in the MBA job sector.
MBA Salaries by Industry
MBA graduates possess a versatile skill set that allows them to thrive in various industries, taking on diverse roles. However, according to data from the , certain industries stand out when it comes to hiring in administrative services.
These industries include professional, scientific, and technical services, where strategic planning and business acumen are highly valued, and the healthcare and social assistance sector, which relies on the managerial expertise of MBA graduates to streamline administrative processes.
Additionally, in the field of education, both public and private institutions benefit from the organizational prowess of MBA holders, with roles extending to state, local, and private educational services. Similarly, the finance and insurance sector, as well as local government entities, known for their complexity and need for skilled management, recognize the value of MBA holders in ensuring efficient and effective administrative operations.
Factors Influencing MBA Salaries
Your potential salary as an MBA graduate is influenced by several factors. Understanding each one is important not only to gain insight into your future earnings but also to learn how you can maximize them.
Specialization
The area of specialization plays a significant role in determining the salaries of MBA graduates. Those earn higher wages because of their specialized skill set and knowledge. Employers place great value on this expertise and are willing to offer competitive compensation