The best business jobs go to people with excellent interpersonal, managerial, and analytical skills, as well as business experience and a solid education. Many companies seek candidates for business jobs with marketing, finance, business administration, accounting, computer, or mathematical skills. Employers also seek candidates with professional certification and licensing.
Many employers look for business job candidates with top-notch managerial skills in areas such as decisiveness, leadership, competency, and adaptability.
The best business careers typically require a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, accounting, or a related discipline. Many employers hire people with a master’s in business administration (MBA).
In compiling our list of the 25 best business jobs, we looked for:
Personally rewarding business jobs
A good salary
Good projected employment growth
Career advancement opportunities
Business jobs which typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree
All of our quantitative information, unless otherwise indicated, is taken from the latest statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for 2012.
The business jobs are listed in alphabetical order. We urge you to scroll through the entire list to see if there’s a business job here that fits you.
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ACCOUNTANT
What They Do: Accountants review and prepare financial records to ensure accuracy and consistency. Accountants organize all business accounting systems and financial operationsm as well as make sure company taxes are in legal order and paid on time.
Median Salary Information: $63,550
Educational Requirements: Most accountants need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related area to enter the field. Some employers prefer accountants with a master’s degree, as well as certification and licensing, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Licensing is also helpful for those working with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), as all accountants filing reports in these areas need to be a CPA.
Employment Growth Forecast: Sixteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as average for all occupations.
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MBA in Accounting from Capella University!
ACTUARY
What They Do: An actuary reviews the financial costs of risk for companies using different financial and mathematical formulations; they use the information to develop effective plans and policies to minimize the financial implications of that risk. Actuaries report this information mostly to the insurance industry, as well as to shareholders, company executives, other officials, and clients.
Median Salary Information: $93,680
Educational Requirements: Typically actuaries need a bachelor’s degree and to pass several professional exams to become certified in the field. Courses needed to enter the profession are in subjects such as corporate finance, management, and applied statistics.
Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA) are the two main programs sponsoring the professional series of exams. The CAS certifies actuaries in property areas and the SOA certifies workers in life and health insurance, investments, retirement benefits, and finance.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-seven percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.
BRAND MANAGER
What They Do: They manage a specific brand name or product owned by a company. Brand managers are responsible for planning, developing and overseeing the marketing of a specific product or brand name.
A brand manager coordinates the work and responsibilities of employees performing specific functions related to production, sales, promotion, advertising, market research, R&D, purchasing, package development, distribution and finance.
Median Salary Information: $78,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Brand managers typically need a bachelor’s degree, such as a bachelor’s degree in marketing; however, some employers prefer candidates with an MBA. Brand mangers need a strong foundation in marketing.
Employment Growth Forecast: Fourteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, as fast as the average for all occupations.
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BS in Sales Management from Kaplan University!
BUDGET ANALYST
What They Do: Budget analysts are true financial wizards. They assist businesses, government agencies, and other institutions to organize their finances. A budget analyst works with managers to prepare budget reports and oversee institutional spending.
Budget analysts also work with other financial officers to propose alternative spending plans when projected financial results look bleak.
Median Salary Information: $69,280
Educational Requirements: Budget analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in an area such as statistics or accounting. Budget analysts also need training in budget cycles to enter the field. However, some employers require individuals to have an advanced degree, such as an MBA, to attain employment or to advance in the field. In addition, attaining certification improves chances for career advancement.
Employment Growth Forecast: Ten percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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MBA from Colorado Technical University!
BUDGET OFFICER
What They Do: Budget officers review budget estimates for accuracy and conformance with company policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations.
Budget officers analyze special budgeting reports and provide findings which include recommendations for the approval or disapproval of fund requests. A budget officer reports all findings to managers and executives and ensures that all budget changes or developments of new policies adhere to company policies.
Median Salary Information: $77,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Budget officers typically need a bachelor’s degree, strong analytical skills, and experience in areas such as accounting, business, or finance. Some employers also prefer an advanced degree, such as an MBA, as well as experience in areas such as financial reporting, budgeting cycles, and forecasting.
Employment Growth Forecast: Seven percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations.
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MBA from Liberty University Online!
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
What They Do: Business development managers work with companies to plan, grow, and generate new business opportunities by providing marketing, strategic planning, and product development ideas and solutions. Business Development Managers also write contract proposals, create presentations, and hold meetings with new clients.
Median Salary Information: $78,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Typically, a business development manager needs a bachelor’s degree in an area such as business administration, plus three to five years of sales or marketing experience, to enter the field. Some employers prefer an advanced degree such as an MBA.
Employment Growth Forecast: Fourteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as average for all occupations.
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MBA in Management from American InterContinental University!
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
What They Do: Need damage control? Call a communications officer. A communications officer uses his skills in community and public relations to articulate an organizations view, policies, and overall message. Communications officers provide different services and activities to accomplish this goal, such as sponsoring corporate events, programs, and campaigns, as well as coordinating speeches, interviews, or press conferences for their clients.
Median Salary Information: $70,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Typically, a communications officer needs a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or communications.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-one percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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BA in Communications from Grand Canyon University!
COST ESTIMATOR
What They Do: Cost estimators work in many different industries, such as construction and manufacturing. They collect and reviewing data to determines the time, cost, location, materials, and labor needed for product manufacturing, construction work sites, or services.
Cost estimators evaluate the costs associated with developing and redesigning, as well as producing, products. Some cost estimators help manage and control the cost of a project and keep track of actual costs as the project proceeds. Other cost estimators forecast the cost, scope, and timeline involved to help business owners and managers produce competitive bids for projects and contracts.
Cost estimators also evaluate projects for potential profit to support profitability objectives.
Median Salary Information: $58,860
Educational Requirements: Most cost estimator jobs require a bachelor’s degree in an area such as physical science, engineering, or statistics. Individuals need training to enter the field. However, some employers hire construction cost estimators with high analytical abilities and experience. Some cost estimators gain special certification to further demonstrate their competency and skills.
Employment Growth Forecast: Thirty-six percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, much faster than average for all occupations.
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BBA in Acquisition and Contract Management from Strayer University!
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING BUSINESS ANALYST
What They Do: Enterprise resource planning business analysts wear many hats: Their work varies from organization to organization. Enterprise resource planning business analysts develop solutions and improve an organization’s efficiency.
To provide support, an enterprise resource planning business analyst develops systems, identifies and evaluates procedures, and recommends new systems and changes across different organizations and companies.
Enterprise resource planning business analysts work in different industries, from construction and technical consulting services to government agencies and insurance companies.
Median Salary Information: $78,600
Educational Requirements: An enterprise resource planning business analyst typically needs a bachelor’s degree in an area such as economics, information sciences, or marketing to enter the field. However, some employers require analysts to have an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Enterprise resource planning business analysts with years of experience and exceptional skills may advance in the field and become partners, in which case they may obtain new clients and generate more revenue.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-two percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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MBA in Business Economics from Ashford University!
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
What They Do: Financial advisors help clients make sound investment decisions. They help their clients get on track to meet their money objectives. Some financial advisors also provide assistance with taxes and sell insurance.
A financial advisor review the performance of stocks, money markets funds, and other types of investments and explain the benefits and risks associated with different investment options or packages.
Financial advisors also give recommendations on the best way for clients to save for retirement or college, improve their financial performance, and spend their hard-earned income. They also help clients determine budget plans.
Median Salary Information: $67,520
Educational Requirements: Financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree in an area such as business, economics, or accounting, to enter the field. However, many employers require financial advisors to have an advanced degree, such as an MBA, as well as knowledge of estate planning, risk management, and taxes, to attain employment or advance in the field.
Attaining licenses and certifications improves financial advisors’ chances for career advancement.
Employment Growth Forecast: Thirty-two percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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MS in Financial Planning from Kaplan University!
FINANCIAL MANAGER
What They Do: Financial managers have their finger on the pulse of the financial health of a company or organization. Their primary duties include preparing financial statements, forecasts, and reports, directing investment activities, analyzing market trends, and developing strategic plans for the future financial goals of a company or organization.
Financial managers have to comply with various laws and regulations. Financial managers also need good communication skills to help coworkers comprehend complex reports.
Median Salary Information: $109,740
Educational Requirements: Financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in an area such as business administration, economics, or accounting, as well as at least five years of experience in areas such as auditing or securities sales, to enter the field.
Some employers require workers to have an advanced degree, such as an MBA, as well as knowledge of financial analysis software and methods, to attain employment or advance in the field. In addition, attaining certifications improves chances for employment.
Employment Growth Forecast: Nine percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations.
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MBA in Financial Management from Northcentral University!
HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER
What They Do: As healthcare information, laws, and policies increasingly change, health service managers work hard at managing administrative functions of hospitals, doctor’s offices, healthcare management organizations, and nursing care facilities. Some medically trained health services managers specialize in an area such as physical therapy.
A health services manager works to improve the efficiency and quality of a healthcare facility. They keep current on any new laws, regulations, or procedures, manage patient finances and billing, create schedules, organize records, and work closely with other department or office staff. Health services managers are also involved with cost containment and personnel management.
Median Salary Information: $88,580
Educational Requirements: Depending on the institution, facility, or office setting, health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in health administration or a degree in a relevant field. Some health services manager jobs require a master’s degree and experience in management.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-two percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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MBA in Healthcare Management from Saint Leo University!
HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER
What They Do: Hotel general managers monitor all aspects of a lodging facility. They make sure all guests are satisfied with their accommodations. A hotel general manager ensures that the hotel operates efficiently on both a financial and a guest service level.
Hotel managers inspect all rooms for cleanliness, greet guests, make sure all standards of service are at the highest quality possible, coordinate all activities, monitor all budgets, and approve expenses, as well as resolve any disputes on a daily basis.
Median Salary Information: $46,810
Educational Requirements: Typically, hotel general managers need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the field. However, most large or high-end hotels require candidates to have an undergraduate degree in hotel administration or a certificate in hotel management from an accredited hospitality-training program.
Employment Growth Forecast: Eight percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations.
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BBA in Hospitality Management from DeVry University!
HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST
What They Do: Human resource specialists work hard at identifying the perfect candidate for a specific job. Primarily, they recruit workers through events and conferences, conduct background checks, and contact references, as well as interview and hire prospective employees.
A human resources specialist spends time explaining job details and duties, important benefits, and payroll information to new hires.
Human resource specialists maintain employee relations on behalf of a company. Human resource source specialists serve as a link between the employer and employee.
Median Salary Information: $55,800
Educational Requirements: Depending on the position and company, most human resources specialists need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, as well as work experience. Certifications enhance a human resource specialist’s skills.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-one percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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BA in Human Resource Management from Ashford University!
INTERNET MARKETER
What They Do: An Internet marketer helps companies generate greater profits and expand its advertising presence through different types of promotions on websites, social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, email newsletters, and text alerts, as well as via other media outlets and communication channels. Internet marketers work in almost every industry from online retailers to educational institutions and all markets in between.
Median Salary Information: $86,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Some internet marketer jobs require a bachelor’s degree in internet marketing, communications, or in a related field. Some employers require a master’s degree and a background in advertising or sales.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twelve percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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AA in Internet Marketing from Fortis College!
IT BUSINESS ANALYST
What They Do: An IT business analyst reviews a company’s current technological platform and develops systems and procedures which help the organization run more effectively and efficiently. Information technology business analysts are responsible for a company’s technological development and direction.
Information technology business analysts design business information systems and incorporate new technical systems to improve company work-flow, efficiency, effectiveness, and production.
An IT business analyst works closely with other company managers and employees to explain how their computer systems can best serve their organizations needs and overall mission.
Median Salary Information: $79,680
Educational Requirements: Most IT business analysts need a bachelor’s degree in computers or information science. However, some IT business analyst jobs require a master’s degree in business, such as an MBA, as well as experience in writing advanced computer programs.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-two percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations. Career opportunities for IT business analysts continue to grow with developing software and hardware applications in computer technology.
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MBA in Information Systems from Ashford University!
LOGISTICIAN
What They Do: How a product gets from the supplier to the consumer may seem a mystery, but not to a logistician. They oversee the entire product life cycle, from how it’s acquired and distributed to when it’s delivered. A logistician reviews all logistical functions, identifies areas for improvement, and presents this information to all managers and executives.
Logisticians work in almost every field, from finance to retail to government. In the private sector, logisticians oversee shipping, distribution, and warehousing as well as quick deliveries to customers.
Median Salary Information: $72,780
Educational Requirements: A logistician can enter the field with an associate’s degree. However, many employers today prefer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, business, or supply chain management. Also, certification show competence in skill level.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-six percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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MBA in Logistics from Colorado Technical University!
MANAGEMENT ANALYST
What They Do: Management analysts gather and organize information to find ways to improve a company’s efficiency and increase profits. Management analysts gather and evaluate data about how a company works to recommend changes to reduce cost or increase revenue.
A management analyst works with managers to advise them on how to make their company more viable and profitable by reducing costs, developing alternative practices, and generating revenues.
Median Salary Information: $78,600
Educational Requirements: Typically, most management analysts need an undergraduate degree in management, accounting, marketing, or economics to enter the field. Some employers require candidates to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Becoming a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) can improve employability in this field.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-two percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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PhD in Strategy & Innovation from Capella University!
MARKET RESEARCH ANALYST
What They Do: Market research analysts spend a majority of their careers collecting and analyzing large amounts of data. Market research analysts help companies boost sales. They produce reports on consumer demographics, sales trends, and buying habits, and present it in an easy-to-understand way for managers or clients.
Market research analysts review market conditions in many different geographic areas to assess potential sales of products or services.
Market research analysts help businesses understand what products consumers want, who will purchase them, and what they are willing to pay for them.
Median Salary Information: $60,300
Educational Requirements: Typically market research analysts need a bachelor’s degree in market research or in a related subject to enter the field. However, many high-level research positions require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Certification shows market research analysts have advanced proficiency in their job.
Employment Growth Forecast: Forty-one percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, much faster than average for all occupations.
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BS in Sales Marketing from Post University!
MEETING, CONVENTION, AND EVENT PLANNER
What They Do: Planning a wedding, political convention, or medical conference? Meeting, convention, and event planners organize significant life events and large-scale conferences. These planners organize every detail of professional events and meetings, from locations, lodging, and transportation to entertainment and dinner menus.
Meeting, convention, and event planners also review proposals and contracts, as well as negotiate with facility managers and suppliers.
Meeting, convention, and event planners with vast experience and those who have industry certification have the best opportunities to advance in their career.
Median Salary Information: $45,810
Educational Requirements: Most meeting, convention, and event planners need a bachelor’s degree in areas such as business or marketing, plus work experience in hospitality management or planning.
Employment Growth Forecast: Forty-four percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, much faster than average for all occupations.
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AASBA in Meeting & Event Planning from Kaplan University!
OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST
What They Do: An operations research analyst uses various research methods, such as computer databases, statistical analysis, and other high-tech software to assist companies in solving issues and making better long-term decisions.
Operations research analysts conduct analysis in all areas of a business or organization, such as production schedules, and present final results and recommendations to managers and executives.
Median Salary Information: $72,100
Educational Requirements: Typically, an operations research analyst needs a bachelor’s degree in management science or a related subject to enter the field. Many employers prefer operations research analysts with an advanced degree.
Extensive coursework in areas such as statistics and linear algebra is essential in this line of work, as well as education in other areas such as engineering and political science.
Employment Growth Forecast: Fifteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as average for all occupations.
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MS in Management—Research Strategies from Walden University!
PORTFOLIO ANALYST
What They Do: Portfolio analysts are part of an investment team responsible for taking care of the daily investment management activities for a client, including monitoring a client’s investment portfolio and trading in equities, mutual funds, bonds, and other investment instruments. Portfolio analysts often use optimization software to manage an investment portfolio. They analyze current and historical data and study business and economic trends.
Portfolio analysts may specialize in a specific industry, country, or type of investment.
Portfolio analysts work for individuals and institutional investors.
Median Salary Information: $70,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Portfolio analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business administration, accounting, finance, statistics, or economics. Many employers seek candidates with an MBA or a master’s degree in finance. Many employers seek candidates with good computer skills.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-three percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 faster than the average for all occupations.
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MBA in Finance from Marylhurst University!
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
What They Do: Product development managers specialize in the overall life cycle of a product, from concept to consumer. Product development managers are primarily responsible for developing a vast array of products by providing market strategies, such as launching products into the market, conducting surveys, and identifying profitable opportunities which meet consumer needs.
Median Salary Information: $96,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Most product development managers need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related discipline, plus experience in areas such as sales or marketing, to enter the field. Product development managers need knowledge of sales forecasting and promotional planning to advance in this field.
Employment Growth Forecast: Fourteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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BA in Entrepreneurship from Ashford University!
QUANTITATIVE ANALYST
What They Do: A quantitative analyst works with statistical and mathematical methods, computer programs, and finance to help firms—such as hedge funds or investment banks—to price and trade securities.
Quantitative analysts evaluate market statistics to develop and implement quantitative models. The models they create are used to produce real-time trading systems for trading equities and futures.
Some quantitative analysts work in risk management or other finance jobs which involve complex mathematics and algorithms.
Median Salary Information: $150,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Quantitative analysts must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline to enter the field. Most quantitative analysts have a master’s or Ph.D. in advanced mathematics and/or finance.
Employment Growth Forecast: Twenty-three percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
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BS in Corporate Finance from Post University!
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
What They Do: Sales representatives work in most industries selling products on behalf of a manufacturer or wholesaler, working directly for the company. However, some sales representatives work for an independent sales agency. which may have numerous clients.
Sales representatives’ main duties include getting buyers and purchasing agents interested in their company’s products or services, demonstrating products, negotiating prices, traveling to clients, and answering all client questions and concerns. Sales representatives often show how the products increase a customer’s sales and decrease their costs.
Median Salary Information: $50,000 (Indeed.com, 2013)
Educational Requirements: Some sales representative jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent and several years of sales experience. However, more and more, employers seek candidates, especially in medical or technical sales, who have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a similar subject.
In terms of advancement, professional certification, training seminars, and an excellent sales record can lead to sales representatives’ gaining larger territories or accounts.
Employment Growth Forecast: Sixteen percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
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AASBA in Sales from Kaplan University!
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