A business administration degree will prepare you for a career in management or operations. It takes two years to earn, and degree holders can apply their skills across many industries. Salaries for business administration professionals are relatively high depending on which area of practice you enter.

Typical salaries for business professionals as tabulated by the government are:

Business Administration Career         Median Annual Salary
Sales Management$105,260
Finance Management $109,740
Human Resources$99,720
Hospitality Management$46,810
Health Care Administration$88,580
Marketing Management$119,480

How Much Will I Earn?

Actual earnings vary depending on the size of the company, staffing supply and demand, and your education level. For those of you with a bachelor's degree in business administration, you can earn $2,000 to $5,000 or more per year than your non-degree holding peers. If you continue your educational pursuits and earn an MBA, that figure can jump up $7,000 to $11,000 per year. Some MBA recipients secure positions with more responsibility and receive higher earnings as well as bonuses and perks.

Are There Jobs for Business Administration Degree Holders?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the demand for business administrators will continue to grow at a pace relative to the national average; however, your results will vary depending on your specialty.

What is the Employment Growth of Different Specialties?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecast growth figures through the year 2022:

Sales Management —8 percent, average
Finance Management —9 percent, average
Human Resources Management —13 percent, average
Hospitality Management —1 percent, no change
Health Care Administration —23 percent, above average
Marketing Management —12 percent, as average

Is The Business Administration Field Competitive?

The business administration field is absolutely competitive. It draws the type of people who enjoy challenges and like the feeling of accomplishment. The employment landscape operates in a constant state of change. In order to stay ahead of other employment candidates, you will have to stay aware of changing industry trends and exercise strong networking skills. In addition, you will also have to earn and keep up credentials relative to your field. In the past, earning an MBA was enough to beat out other potential candidates. Now, big name employers want candidates who hold their doctorate in business. Technology use in business is increasing exponentially. As a result, additional technical expertise is a major component in gaining an edge over employment competitors.

Who Hires Business Administration Professionals?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled data that shows who has hired employees with business administration degrees:

Sales Managers

Retail trade —20 percent
Wholesale trade —20 percent
Manufacturing —13 percent
Finance and insurance —10 percent
Management of companies —8 percent

Finance Managers

Finance and insurance companies —28 percent
Management of companies —10 percent
Professional and technical services—10 percent
Manufacturing —8 percent
Government offices —8 percent

HR Management

Management of companies —14 percent
Manufacturing —14 percent
Government offices —12 percent
Professional and technical services —10 percent
Health care and social assistance —10 percent

Marketing Management

Professional and technical services —19 percent
Management of companies —16 percent
Manufacturing —12 percent
Finance and insurance companies —12 percent
Information and data companies —9 percent