What are the jobs and average salaries for MBA vs. MS graduates in the USA?

Nandini Chauhan

Manager-Mentr me

When comparing jobs and average salaries for MBA and MS graduates in the USA, it’s essential to consider the different career paths and salary potentials each degree offers.

MBA Graduates:

• Job Roles: MBA graduates typically pursue leadership and management roles across various industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and marketing. Common positions include Investment Banker, Management Consultant, Marketing Manager, and Operations Manager.
• Average Salaries: The average starting salary for MBA graduates in the USA is around $115,000 to $125,000, depending on the specialization and the school attended. For instance, MBA graduates in technology roles can earn around $111,000, while those in finance might earn approximately $106,000. High-paying roles, especially in consulting firms like McKinsey and Bain, can offer base salaries upwards of $190,000​

MS Graduates:

• Job Roles: MS graduates often take on specialized roles within their field of study, such as Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, or Operations Research Analyst. These positions typically require deep technical knowledge in specific areas like analytics, finance, or engineering.
• Average Salaries: The starting salary for MS graduates in the USA ranges between $55,000 and $75,000, varying by concentration. For example, an MS in Analytics might fetch a salary of around $75,000, while those in Finance could start at approximately $65,000. Although these figures are generally lower than those for MBA graduates, MS degrees often lead to specialized roles that can offer significant salary growth with experience.

In summary, if you’re aiming for higher starting salaries and leadership roles across various sectors, an MBA might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer specialized, technical roles within a specific field, an MS could be more suitable, though it might start with a lower salary range.

Leena Dubey

Student of ILBS

When comparing job opportunities and average salaries for MBA versus MS graduates in the USA, the outcomes can differ significantly based on the field of study, industry, and location.

For MBA graduates, the focus is often on leadership, management, and business strategy roles. Common job titles include Management Consultant, Financial Manager, Marketing Manager, and Operations Manager. According to top-ranked sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and leading business school reports, the average salary for MBA graduates in the USA typically ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, with some roles, particularly in finance and consulting, exceeding $130,000 annually.

On the other hand, MS graduates usually specialize in a specific technical or analytical field, such as Data Science, Engineering, or Computer Science. Job titles for MS graduates might include Data Scientist, Software Engineer, or Systems Analyst. The average salary for MS graduates in the USA can vary widely depending on the field but generally ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 per year. In-demand fields like Data Science and AI can command higher salaries, often exceeding $110,000 annually.

In summary, MBA graduates tend to earn higher salaries on average due to the leadership roles they often take, but MS graduates can also secure lucrative positions, especially in technical and specialized fields. The choice between an MBA and an MS should align with your career goals and the industry you wish to enter.

Radhika Mathur

When comparing job opportunities and average salaries for MBA and MS graduates in the USA, the key differences lie in the career paths and earning potential associated with each degree.

Following of all MBA Graduates:

• Job Opportunities: MBA graduates typically pursue roles in management, consulting, finance, marketing, and operations. Popular job titles include management consultant, financial analyst, marketing manager, operations manager, and project manager. The MBA equips graduates with broad business skills, making them suitable for leadership and executive roles.
• Average Salaries: The average salary for MBA graduates in the USA varies depending on the industry and experience level. However, the general range is between $90,000 and $120,000 per year. Top MBA programs can lead to even higher salaries, with graduates from elite schools earning over $150,000 annually, especially in finance or consulting roles.

Following of all MS graduates:

• Job Opportunities: MS graduates often specialize in a particular field such as data science, engineering, computer science, or finance. They tend to pursue technical roles like data scientist, software engineer, financial analyst, or research scientist. These roles require deep expertise in the chosen field, and MS programs provide specialized knowledge that prepares graduates for these positions.
• Average Salaries: The average salary for MS graduates varies significantly by discipline. For example, data scientists and software engineers typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 per year, while engineers and researchers might earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. Certain specialized fields, like data science, can command higher salaries, especially with experience.

Graduates generally earn higher salaries and hold management positions, while MS graduates often take on specialized, technical roles with salaries that vary based on the field of study.

Deepak Kumar

Student

When comparing jobs and average salaries for MBA vs. MS graduates in the USA, it's important to understand the different paths these degrees can lead you down.

MBA graduates often pursue careers in management, consulting, finance, and operations. Common roles include Management Consultant, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, and Operations Manager. Due to the leadership focus of MBA programs, these roles often come with higher responsibilities and, subsequently, higher salaries. On average, MBA graduates in the USA can expect starting salaries ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the industry and location. Top-tier business schools may see their graduates earning even more, with some hitting the $150,000 mark, especially in high-demand sectors like consulting and finance.

On the other hand, MS graduates typically specialize in fields like data science, engineering, computer science, or finance. These roles are more technical and may include titles like Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Financial Analyst, or Research Scientist. While the starting salaries for MS graduates can vary widely depending on the field, you can generally expect to earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. For example, a Data Scientist might start at around $95,000, while a Software Engineer could start at $85,000. These roles tend to be in high demand, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, which can drive salaries higher.

Both MBA and MS degrees offer excellent career prospects, but your choice should depend on your career goals. If you’re aiming for leadership and management roles, an MBA might be the better choice. If you’re passionate about deep technical expertise, an MS could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should align with where you see yourself thriving professionally.