Business and Entrepreneurship Salaries & Projected Growth

Considering a career in business and entrepreneurship? Learn what some of the top roles pay, their projected growth, and what degrees they require. Looking for other resources? Check out our Your Future in Business and Entrepreneurship guide. 

Accountant/Auditor

Description: Accountants keep track of a business's finances, recording every dollar that comes in and goes out, preparing financial reports, and paying taxes. Auditors independently verify accountants' work to confirm that all the records are accurate, honest, and follow the law.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $81,680
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Forensic Accounting

Actuary

Description: An actuary uses advanced math, statistics, and financial theory to predict the likelihood and financial cost of future uncertain events, like accidents, sickness, or natural disasters. Insurance companies use these predictions to set fair prices (premiums) and ensure that businesses have sufficient funds to cover future payouts.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +22%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $125,770
Potential majors for this career: Economics, Statistics

Anti-money Laundering Specialist/ Financial Examiner

Description: Anti-money laundering (AML) specialists monitor bank accounts and large transactions to spot suspicious patterns that could signal money laundering or terrorism financing.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +19%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $90,400
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Criminal Justice, Finance, Forensic Accounting

Benefits Manager

Description: A benefits manager oversees company benefits, like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They research, select, and manage these programs to ensure employees are well cared for and that the company remains competitive while following all applicable laws.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: 0%
Average annual salary 2024/2025:  $140,360
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Economics, Finance, Human Resources Management, Psychology, Sociology

Budget Analyst

Description: A budget analyst helps organizations like schools, businesses, or government agencies manage their money wisely by reviewing their spending, developing financial plans (budgets), and ensuring funds are used efficiently to meet goals.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +1%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $87,930
Potential majors for this career: Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Statistics, Supply Chain Management

Business Analyst

Description: A business analyst is a translator and problem-solver, figuring out what a company needs to improve and then communicating those needs clearly across teams. They study how companies are run, identify the gaps, and design solutions to make companies more efficient and successful.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +9%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $101,190
Potential majors for this career: Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Statistics, Supply Chain Management

Business Development Manager

Description: A business development manager is a company's growth strategist, constantly looking for new ways to make more money by finding fresh clients, markets, and strategic partners. They network, create new sales plans, and build relationships to drive growth.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +10%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $100,769
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Communications, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Project Management

Business Intelligence Analyst

Description: A business intelligence analyst is a data detective and storyteller who digs through a company's past and present data to find trends and hidden insights. They use tools to transform complex data into easy-to-understand reports and visuals, like dashboards, to help managers make better, data-driven decisions.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +9%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $99,864
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science/Business Analytics, Economics, Finance/Accounting, Information Systems/Management Information Systems, Statistics/Mathematics

Certified Management Accountant

Description: A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a credential for accounting and finance professionals who specialize in financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support, often working within a business to help managers make informed decisions on strategy and operations. Unlike a CPA who focuses on external financial reporting and taxes, a CMA concentrates on internal business data to drive performance and profitability.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $81,680
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance

Compliance Officer

Description: A Compliance Officer is a professional who serves as the "rule keeper" for an organization (such as a bank, hospital, or school), ensuring that all actions, policies, and employees comply with government laws, industry regulations, and internal ethical standards to avoid legal trouble and fines.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +3%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $78,420
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Finance, Legal Studies/ Criminal Justice

Data Scientist

Description: Data scientists use advanced math, statistics, and programming to sort through massive amounts of raw information, or "big data," to find hidden patterns. Their main job is to build complex predictive models, often using machine learning, that help companies anticipate future outcomes and make decisions about their upcoming products or strategies.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +34%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $112,590
Potential majors for this career: Applied Mathematics/Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science/Data Analytics, Economics/Finance, Engineering, Statistics/Applied Statistics

Data Governance Analyst/ Operations Research Analyst

Description: A data governance analyst ensures a company's data is accurate, secure, and used properly. They enforce policies governing data policy, making sure information is protected and of high enough quality for reliable decision-making.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +23%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $91,290
Potential majors for this career: Applied Mathematics/Mathematics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science/Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems (IS)/Management Information Systems (MIS), Statistics

Development Director

Description: A development director is the chief fundraiser for a non-profit organization or school, responsible for creating the big-picture strategy to raise funds. They build relationships with major donors, write grant proposals, and run campaigns to ensure the organization survives and grows.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +4%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $85,479
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Communications/Public Relations, Finance/Accounting, Liberal Arts (e.g., English, History, Political Science), Marketing, Nonprofit Management/Public Administration

Distribution Manager

Description: A Distribution Manager is responsible for getting a company's products from the warehouse or factory to the customer, store, or final destination in the most efficient, cost-effective, and fastest way possible. They lead the strategy of the shipping and storage operation, supervising inventory, transportation, and warehouse staff.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025:$77,376
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Logistics/Transportation Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management

E-Commerce Manager

Description: An E-Commerce Manager is the digital storefront leader for a company, responsible for everything sold online — from the moment a customer clicks on the website to when the payment goes through — with the main goal of increasing traffic, boosting sales, and improving the customer's online shopping experience.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +8%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $67,963
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Information Systems

Economist

Description: Economists study how people and societies make choices about money, resources, and trade. They use math and data to analyze economic issues (like inflation or unemployment), then forecast future trends and advise governments and businesses on how to make better decisions.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +1%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $115,440
Potential majors for this career: Computer Science, Economics, Finance/Financial Economics, Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, Statistics/Econometrics

Entrepreneur

Description: An Entrepreneur creates a new business, typically by identifying a market problem or need and taking on the necessary financial risks to develop an innovative solution, product, or service.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $70,849
Potential majors for this career: Communications,  Entrepreneurship, Finance/Accounting, Marketing

Environmental Public Affairs Officer

Description: An Environmental Public Affairs Officer (PAO) is the chief communicator for a government agency or organization dealing with environmental issues, translating complex scientific data and environmental regulations into clear, simple messages for the media, community leaders, and the public.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $86,000
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Green & Sustainable Management, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, Environmental Science

ESG Analyst

Description: An ESG Analyst (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a financial professional who evaluates how "good" a company is by researching its impact on the planet, its people (employees, customers, and community), and its leadership ethics. They translate non-financial data — like a company's carbon emissions, worker safety records, and board diversity — into reports that help investors decide whether to fund the company.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +7%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $75,000
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Green & Sustainable Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Sustainability, and Public Policy

Financial Advisor/ Planner

Description: A financial planner is a personal money coach who works with individuals and families to create a step-by-step roadmap for all of their major money goals, like saving for college, buying a house, and having a comfortable retirement.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $101,350
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Financial Planning/Personal Financial Planning, Psychology/Communications

Forensic Accountant

Description: Forensic accountants combine accounting and auditing knowledge with investigative skills to uncover evidence of financial crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. They look for hidden assets and illegal transactions, then organize their findings to be used as evidence in court cases.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5% to +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $72,910
Potential majors for this career: Accounting/Forensic Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Finance, Fraud Examination

Human Resources Coordinator, Specialist, or Manager

Description: A Human Resources (HR) professional is responsible for managing a company's most important asset: its people. HR handles the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment paperwork and benefits administration to specialist training programs and developing high-level strategies for talent, culture, and labor law compliance.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5% to +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $72,910
Potential majors for this career: Business & Economics, Business Administration, Business Management, HR Management, Nonprofit Management, Psychology

Internal Auditor

Description: An Internal Auditor acts as a trusted advisor within an organization, reviewing all business operations — from accounting procedures to security systems — to identify risks, evaluate efficiency, and ensure compliance with laws and company policies.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $81,680
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, Information Systems

Investment Analyst/ Financial Analyst

Description: An investment analyst researches and analyzes data on stocks, bonds, companies, and the economy to decide where to invest money. They create detailed reports and financial models to advise their clients or fund managers on what to buy, sell, or hold to maximize profits and minimize risk.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025:$99,010
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Business Economics, Finance, Financial Management, Investment Management

Labor Relations Specialist

Description: A labor relations specialist acts as a professional mediator and negotiator, working as the go-between for a company's management and its employees (often union representatives). They negotiate fair working contracts on pay and benefits, and investigate disputes or grievances.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +1%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $93,500
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Psychology

Marketing Manager

Description: A marketing manager determines how a company should communicate and sell its products or services to attract people's interest and encourage them to make a purchase. They design entire campaigns — from social media ads to large-scale events — and analyze data to confirm strategies’ effectiveness in increasing sales.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $126,960
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Business Management, Communications, Marketing

Market Research Analyst

Description: A Market Research Analyst investigates consumer behavior and market trends to help companies figure out what products people want, how much they'll pay for them, and the most effective ways to sell them.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +7%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $78,645
Potential majors for this career: Business Management, Business & Economics, Business Administration, Advertising & Marketing, Statistics

Outreach Director

Description: An Outreach Director is a relationship builder and strategist for a non-profit, college, or government agency, responsible for creating and leading programs to connect with and engage a specific public or community.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $89,573
Potential majors for this career: Nonprofit Management, Business & Economics, Business Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing

Policy Analyst

Description: A Policy Analyst studies, researches, and analyzes current and proposed laws, government programs, or regulations to predict their economic and social effects.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +11%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $66,359
Potential majors for this career: Business & Economics, Economics, Political Science

Portfolio Manager

Description: Portfolio managers build and oversee a collection of investments (like stocks, bonds, and real estate) for a client or large organization. They track the market, decide exactly what and when to buy and sell to achieve the client's financial goals and manage risk.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +11%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $102,082
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Investment Management

Procurement Analyst/ Buyer 

Description: A procurement analyst identifies the smartest way to acquire all the materials, products, and services a business needs. They analyze data on supplier performance and market prices to negotiate the best contracts and save money.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $75,650
Potential majors for this career: Business Management, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management

Project Management Specialist

Description: Project management specialists ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish. They coordinate the schedule, budget, and teams to keep everyone on track and proactively troubleshoot problems so the project finishes successfully on time.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $100,750
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Computer Science/Information Technology, Engineering, Management/Organizational Leadership, Supply Chain Management/Operations Management

Public Relations Specialist

Description: A public relations specialist crafts and manages the public image of a person, company, or organization. They write press releases, manage social media messaging, and handle crises to help maintain a positive client reputation.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $76,102
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Sociology/Psychology

Purchasing Manager

Description: A Purchasing Manager buys all the supplies, materials, and services a company needs to operate, focusing on securing the highest quality at the lowest price.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $79,610
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Economics

Risk Analyst/ Management Analyst

Description: A risk analyst/specialist uses math and data to predict all the potential negative outcomes that could occur for a business, ranging from a customer defaulting on a loan to a major system crash.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +9%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $101,190
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Economics, Finance, Financial Management, Statistics

Sales Manager

Description: A Sales Manager directs a team of sales representatives to meet or exceed targets by setting goals, analyzing sales data to find trends, and designing strategies to connect a product or service to its customers.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +5%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $138,060
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management,  Finance, Economics, Marketing

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Agent

Description: Securities, commodities, and financial services agents help people and companies grow their wealth by buying and selling stocks, bonds, gold, oil, etc., on the financial markets. They also offer guidance on what to buy or sell based on market conditions, helping their clients achieve their financial objectives.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +3%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $78,140
Potential majors for this career: Business Economics, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Financial Management

Statistician

Description: A Statistician collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets large amounts of numerical data to find meaningful patterns, solve complex problems, and make accurate predictions for organizations like the government, hospitals, or businesses.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +8%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $86,547
Potential majors for this career: Applied Mathematics/Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science/Data Analytics, Economics/Econometrics, Statistics/Applied Statistics, STEM fields

Stockbroker

Description: A licensed Stockbroker, or Registered Representative, acts as the middleman for clients by executing orders to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other investments on the stock exchange.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +3%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $78,140
Potential majors for this career: Business & Economics, Business Management, Economics, Finance/Financial Management

Supply Chain Manager

Description: A Supply Chain Manager oversees the entire lifecycle of a product, ensuring raw materials are sourced, manufactured, stored, and delivered to the final customer efficiently and affordably.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: *+11% *Market growth projections rather than job growth projections
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $90,713
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Business/Data Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Logistics/Transportation Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management

Sustainability Finance Manager

Description: A sustainability finance manager ensures a company's investment decisions and financial strategies are environmentally and socially responsible, not just profitable. They analyze data on climate risk and ethical standards (ESG) to direct capital toward projects that benefit both the company and the planet in the long term.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034:  *+19% *Market growth projections rather than job growth projections
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $159,420
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics/Environmental Economics, Environmental Science/Studies or Environmental Management, Finance

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager

Description: A transportation, storage, and distribution manager ensures that products and goods are delivered from their point of origin to the final customer as quickly and efficiently as possible. They plan and supervise the entire journey, including organizing everything from warehouse storage to truck routes, and managing the teams that transport the items.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +6%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $102,010
Potential majors for this career: Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management

User Experience (UX) Designer

Description: A User Experience (UX) Designer advocates for the end-user by designing digital products (like websites and apps) to be intuitive, easy to use, and enjoyable.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034: +7%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $105,224
Potential majors for this career: Computer Science, Graphic Design,  Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Technology, Psychology, Visual Communications

Valuation Specialist

Description: A Valuation Specialist determines the true economic worth of a company, a piece of property, or a specific asset for critical purposes like mergers, sales, taxation, or financial reporting.
Projected growth between 2024 and 2034:+7%
Average annual salary 2024/2025: $78,851
Potential majors for this career: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Forensic Accounting & Fraud,  Mathematics