Does MBA pay more than Masters?

Asked by: Rosa Schowalter IV  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (22 votes)

The average salary for an individual with an MBA is 17% higher than the average salary for a master's degree-holder. 91% of global recruiters hired MBA graduates in 2023 compared to just 72% who hired master's degree graduates.

Which pays more, masters or MBA?

Cons of a Specialized Master's Degree

We'll get straight to the point: Starting salaries for graduates of MS programs are around $20k lower than starting salaries for MBA graduates.

Is an MBA more valuable than a masters?

Median starting salaries after completing an MBA are higher than those of an MS, though this salary discrepancy is likely tied to the fact that most MBA recipients have already spent a few years in the workforce, while most business masters recipients have not.

Does an MBA actually increase salary?

Generally, you can expect a nearly 50% increase in your salary after completing an MBA. A study from Transparent Career showed that MBAs reported about a 46% increase in salary after earning their degree, with a $41,000 average higher salary, and $95,000 extra in total compensation.

Is an MBA a high paying degree?

Average MBA salary after five years

MBA graduates are poised for a positive salary trajectory in the years following graduation. According to research from the Forté Foundation, the average MBA salary after three to five years is between $151,951 and $172,469.

Earned my MBA Degree ONLINE - My Career After 2 YEARS (Jobs, Salary, Promotions)

21 related questions found

Is MBA worth it after 30?

Is an MBA worth it after 30? 40? 50? The consensus among educators and students is that an MBA education adds value at any age.

Which field in MBA pays the most?

Finance Manager

The highest-paying MBA specialization often leads to roles as Finance Managers. As a finance manager, you play a main role in overseeing a company's financial health and making strategic monetary decisions.

What is a realistic post MBA salary?

The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) reports a projected median starting salary for MBA graduates of $120,000 in 2024, while those with only a bachelor's degree were projected to earn a starting salary of $69,320 in 2024. Earning an MBA is often profitable almost immediately after graduation.

How much do you make after 10 years of MBA?

The average annual MBA salary after five years averaged approximately $142k for women and $152 for men, while the average MBA salary after 10 years ranged from $179k to $242k for women and men, respectively. “The MBA opens doors to many industries and many fields.

Is an MBA worth it?

On average, professionals with an MBA earn substantially more than those with a bachelor's degree. An MBA opens doors to higher-paying jobs and positions that offer better financial rewards, particularly in highly competitive areas such as finance, consulting, and technology.

Is MBA a prestigious degree?

Having an MBA can be a respectable credential to add to your resume, signaling a high-value skill set that many hiring managers look for in employees. Additionally, MBA programs offer unique career and networking resources reserved for students and space for building beneficial long-term relationships.

Is MBA equivalent to PhD?

An MBA makes you more valuable in industries because it's a specialized business degree. An MBA gives you more opportunities to progress further in your field of choice and increases your earning potential. A PhD, however, gives you access to jobs in the research or academic world.

How long does an MBA take?

A standard MBA program generally takes at least two years to complete with full-time enrollment, and closer to three years on a part-time schedule. On-campus vs. online MBA programs. Taking courses on a college campus may work better for students who need more structure and accountability.

Is an MBA harder than a Masters?

Is an MBA program harder than an MS program? It depends on your knowledge background and aptitudes. However, many MBA programs prefer or require that applicants have multiple years of relevant professional experience.

Which master's degree gives the highest salary?

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A master's degree in business administration takes the coveted first spot on the list of the top eight highest-paying master's degrees, primarily due to the broad array of concentrations and high-paying careers that recipients of this degree go on to pursue.

How much does an MBA make compared to a bachelor's salary?

Professionals with a B.A. in Business Administration earn an average salary of about $69,000, compared to MBA holders at roughly $88,000. Although there are too many specifics to address in any given situation, the decision to earn an MBA can pay off significantly in terms of salary and career possibilities.

Will an MBA raise my salary?

Skill & Negotiation

A study by Transparent Career showed that those who earned an MBA reported an average increase of $41,000 in their salary after their degree.

Can you make 6 figures with a business degree?

Finance jobs

And working as a hedge fund manager, financial analyst, or investment banker are some of the most lucrative occupations in finance, with starting salaries in excess of $100,000. Six-figure salaries are quite common for MBA grads who go into roles in financial services.

Is getting an MBA hard?

My team and I looked into other factors that can answer the question, “Is getting an MBA hard?" and found that getting an MBA can be challenging because of the academic and professional experience requirements. Most MBA students begin their studies after gaining numerous years of professional and relevant experience.

What type of MBA makes the most money?

Popular MBA concentrations led to related functions with the following average salaries in 2023:
  • Consulting. Average Salary: $169,584. ...
  • Finance. Average Salary: $140,000. ...
  • Management. Average Salary: $123,927. ...
  • Marketing. Average Salary: $116,150.

Can you make 6 figures with an MBA?

It's common for MBA holders entering financial services to secure six-figure incomes. Harvard Business School 2021 graduates earned an average $150,500 base salary (HBS, 2021). They also received a $30,000 signing bonus and a $37,000 performance bonus.

How much do MBAs make in a lifetime?

According to research by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, individuals with professional degrees — such as MBAs, law, or medical degrees — average about $3.6 million in lifetime earnings.

Which MBA is highest in demand?

This article delves into the most in-demand MBA specializations, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.
  1. Technology Management. ...
  2. Finance. ...
  3. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. ...
  4. Marketing and Digital Marketing. ...
  5. Healthcare Management. ...
  6. Entrepreneurship. ...
  7. Supply Chain Management and Operations.

What should my salary be with an MBA?

The average salary for an MBA graduate. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council's 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey Report, the average salary for U.S. MBA graduates is $120,000, whereas PayScale estimates the average salary for an MBA graduate is $98,000 and ZipRecruiter estimates it at $165,372.