Top 10 MBA Concentrations Ranked by Salary

Broadly speaking, the purpose of an MBA is to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the business world. This is reflected in key career statistics for MBA graduates, which show that the qualification strongly correlates with promotions and salary increases. For example, a recent survey found that 80% of William & Mary Online MBA graduates reported a salary increase during or shortly after completing the program.¹

The career success enjoyed by many MBA graduates is not down to magic, luck or coincidence. MBA candidates tend to be highly motivated to achieve their career goals. Furthermore, the degree prepares them with relevant knowledge and experience to qualify for higher-paying roles. That preparation becomes even more relevant when candidates choose MBA options that align with their career goals.

This blog post will explore some of the more popular types of programs and consider which MBA has the highest salary potential, as well as some of the other benefits of pursuing different MBA concentrations.

Why MBA Concentrations Matter for Salary Potential

Different MBA concentrations typically prepare students for specific roles, such as marketing, finance or human resources, and different industries and roles offer differing career paths and earning potential. For example, a recent review by Fortune magazine noted that the average starting salary for an MBA graduate is $120,000.² But the same review also noted that starting salaries for top management consultants average around $190,000, while graduates entering senior roles in the healthcare industry tend to average closer to $135,000.²

MBA tracks matter—both to immediate and future earning potential and to overall job satisfaction.

Highest-Paying MBA Concentrations in 2025

The highest-paying MBA concentrations will vary over time as various roles and industries enjoy greater or lesser economic significance. Based on recent salary information, here's a look at the best MBA concentrations ranked by salary ranges for graduates.

1. MBA in Information Technology (IT)

Per data compiled by Indeed, IT currently ranks highest among MBA concentrations when considering earning potential. The digital transformation of businesses and the global economy has put a high premium on business-savvy tech leaders. An MBA in IT prepares students for roles such as senior project manager, IT director and vice president of IT, with average annual salaries ranging from $104,597 to $168,047.³

2. MBA in Finance 

Finance and economics are evergreen MBA specializations, preparing graduates to manage and grow a business's bottom line. These concentrations are proven pathways to high-paying sectors such as investment banking or to corporate finance positions, including financial manager, finance director and chief financial officer. Per Indeed, starting salary ranges for these positions average between $96,417 and $128,137 per year.³

3. MBA in Business Analytics

The field of business analytics is growing in value thanks to businesses' increasing need for executives who understand how to harness big data and AI to drive their forecasts and inform strategic decisions. Jobs such as management analyst and business analytics manager attract starting salaries in the $85,000–$100,000 range.³

4. MBA in Entrepreneurship

For those who dream of launching their own startup or taking responsibility for driving innovation within an organization, an MBA in entrepreneurship will equip students with the skills needed for roles ranging from management consultant to senior product manager or senior business consultant. Average earnings range from $79,000 to $130,000,³ not accounting for the volatile risk/reward balance that startup founders and innovators must always consider.

5. MBA in Accounting 

Another specialization with a strong connection to a business's bottom line is an MBA in accounting. Graduates can look forward to roles such as senior accountant and investment management positions, including investment analyst and portfolio manager. Salary ranges start around $73,000–$85,000.³

An accounting specialization also opens up licensure opportunities, such as the widely respected Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, for those seeking executive roles.

6. MBA in Human Resources (HR)

When companies seek to develop new leadership or DEI initiatives, they often turn to HR specialists to develop their recruitment strategies and find the talent they need. An MBA with an HR concentration prepares students for roles such as HR manager, talent strategist and corporate trainer, with average salaries starting around $78,000 per year.⁴

7. MBA in Supply Chain Management

As an MBA concentration, supply chain management opens career pathways in logistics, procurement and business operations. This is a field that often appeals to people who enjoy finding new efficiencies and helping businesses run more smoothly and effectively. Salaries across a range of roles, from procurement specialist to logistics manager, start around $73,500.⁴

8. MBA in Healthcare Management

Starting salaries in healthcare management average around $72,433,³ but the healthcare industry remains one of the highest-paying sectors overall for MBA graduates, according to Fortune magazine.² Graduates can look forward to a wide variety of possible roles, such as hospital manager or healthcare consultant. Further, healthcare is a highly regulated sector, creating a constant need for specialized business leadership within the industry.

9. MBA in Marketing

Marketing is a popular concentration as it offers a career pathway that promises graduates a chance to flex both their creative and analytical skills. Roles include brand manager, digital marketer and product strategist. Salaries range from $63,904 to $80,663 for manager and director-level positions.³

10. MBA in Sports Management

Sports management MBAs can consider a wide range of career pathways, ranging from sports marketing director to team operations manager or athletics director. Starting salaries also vary widely, ranging from $60,000 to $90,000.⁵

What to Consider When Choosing an MBA Track

When considering an MBA track, it's important to balance factors like industry demand, the skills required for specialization and one’s own personal interest in the field. There are also trade-offs in any industry. Some pathways, such as finance, may offer high starting pay but make equally high demands of an employee’s time and energy. Other career paths, such as marketing or sports management, may offer long-term growth opportunities for those who dedicate themselves to developing within their field of choice.

Choosing the right program also helps in the decision process. For example, graduates from William & Mary’s Online MBA program report an average salary around $135,000¹—a testament to their commitment to getting the most from their knowledge and experience.

Find Your Perfect Fit Among William & Mary’s Online MBA Specializations

William & Mary's elite Online MBA program offers nine specializations in critical business areas such as finance, marketing, business analytics and supply chain management. Find your niche in the business world with an advanced qualification from one of the original Public Ivies. Review our admission requirements or contact us directly for more program information.

When you're ready to discuss moving your career forward with an Online MBA from William & Mary, schedule an appointment with one of our admissions outreach advisors to explore your options in detail.