Top 20 Business & Sales Careers

career-toolkit-200Business jobs are highly diverse with most jobs in the field paying a high salary. Jobs in the business industry typically only require a Bachelor’s degree so the educational investment to pay-off is high.

Personal financial advisors took the top spot on the list of top business jobs as well as the #1 spot on the list of top 100 careers overall. The pay is high, topping over $89K a year with the salary span nearing $150K so there’s a lot of room for growth. In addition, the job outlook is 30% with 73,900 new jobs expected between 2014 and 2024.

Management analysts claim the #2 spot with a median salary of $81K a year, a 14% job outlook, and 103,400 new jobs expected to be added through 2024.

Financial managers take the #3 spot with a median 6-figure pay of over $117K a year. The job outlook for financial managers is lower than the careers in the #1 and #2 spots; it comes in at 7% which is about the average for all occupations.

See how we ranked the top business jobs.

The highest score using our ranking system is 100

 Personal Financial Advisor

#1  Personal Financial Advisor

Overall Score: 93 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Financial advisors in the private sector generally assist with all aspect of money management for an individual or family. They will provide advice on a wide range of financial topics including retirement, investments, taxes, and insurance … learn more

Median Salary: $89,160  | Salary Span: $147,900

Job Outlook: 30% | # of New Jobs: 73,900

 Management Analyst

#2  Management Analyst

Overall Score: 85 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Management analysts study the breakdown in a business’s operations and recommend new strategies for improved communication and management effectiveness … learn more

Median Salary: $81,320  | Salary Span: $104,250

Job Outlook: 14% | # of New Jobs: 103,400

 Financial Manager

#3  Financial Manager

Overall Score: 84 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Financial managers are responsible for oversight of the financial health of a company. They may assist with generating and approving the company’s operational budget and offer recommendations for improved financial performance … learn more

Median Salary: $117,990  | Salary Span: $124,180

Job Outlook: 7% | # of New Jobs: 37,700

 Medical & Health Services Manager

#4  Medical and Health Services Manager

Overall Score: 83 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Employees in health management oversee daily operations for a health care facility. They ensure their staff and organization are in compliance with all government policies regarding healthcare and manage and motivate their teams … learn more

Median Salary: $94,500  | Salary Span: $109,150

Job Outlook: 17% | # of New Jobs: 56,300

 Operations Research Analyst

#5  Operations Research Analyst

Overall Score: 83 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Operations research analysts are extremely adept with analyzing complex data and recognizing patterns. They will often be responsible for recommending improved operational processes based on their research and analysis … learn more

Median Salary: $78,630  | Salary Span: $88,980

Job Outlook: 30% | # of New Jobs: 27,600

 Advertising & Promotion Manager

#6 Advertising and Promotion Manager

Overall Score: 81 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Advertising and promotion managers have a good mix of creativity and interpersonal skills. They direct advertising campaigns and are responsible for keeping their teams on track and clients happy … learn more

Median Salary: $95,890  | Salary Span: $144,760

Job Outlook: 9% | # of New Jobs: 19,700

 Securities, Commodities, & Financial Services Sales Agents

#7  Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Overall Score: 80 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Sales agents in the financial services industry sell securities and commodities on behalf of a company or individual. They will generally prepare financial reports, explain purchase options to customers, and keep record of all transactions … learn more

Median Salary: $71,550  | Salary Span: $154,520+

Job Outlook: 10% | # of New Jobs: 32,500

 Human Resources Manager

#8  Human Resources Manager

Overall Score: 79 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human aspect of the business. They generally oversee compensation and benefits, training and development, and the performance review process … learn more

Median Salary: $104,440  | Salary Span: $125,900

Job Outlook: 9% | # of New Jobs: 10,800

 Financial Analyst

#9  Financial Analyst

Overall Score: 79 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Financial analysts use complex software systems to analyze data, spot trends, and offer forecasting reports and predictions. They help a company stay on top of any financial issues before they escalate … learn more

Median Salary: $80,310  | Salary Span: $111,310

Job Outlook: 12% | # of New Jobs: 32,300

 Sales Manager

#10  Sales Manager

Overall Score: 78 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Sales managers guide a team of sales employees and are responsible for meeting established sales quotas and expectations. They provide reports to upper management and assist with setting realistic goals … learn more

Median Salary: $113,860  | Salary Span: $132,710

Job Outlook: 5% | # of New Jobs: 19,000

 Construction Manager

#11  Construction Manager

Overall Score: 78 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Construction managers oversee all logistics for a construction project. They are typically on site for the duration of the project and are responsible for making sure the project finishes on time … learn more

Median Salary: $87,400  | Salary Span: $102,850

Job Outlook: 5% | # of New Jobs: 17,800

 Administrative Services Manager

#12  Administrative Services Manager

Overall Score: 77 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Administrative services managers coordinate all support efforts for an office or organization. They ensure all paperwork is done in a timely manner and in compliance with all required regulations … learn more

Median Salary: $86,110  | Salary Span: $107,140

Job Outlook: 8% | # of New Jobs: 23,500

 Actuary

#13  Actuary

Overall Score: 76 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

An actuary is a business professional who deals with the measurement and management of risk. They will use advanced mathematical and economic equations to consult businesses on risks associated with decisions or investments … learn more

Median Salary: $97,070  | Salary Span: $122,210

Job Outlook: 18% | # of New Jobs: 4,400

 Accountant

#14  Accountant

Overall Score: 75 | Typical Education:Bachelor’s

Accountants are a critical part of any organization. The ensure all revenues and expenditures are recorded and tracked keeping an organization on budget and in safe keeping in the event of an audit … learn more

Median Salary: $67,190  | Salary Span: $77,530

Job Outlook: 11% | # of New Jobs: 142,400

 Statistician

#15  Statistician

Overall Score: 72 | Typical Education: Master’s

Statisticians use statistical analysis to help solve problems in both the private and public sectors. Their findings can be used to generate new approaches to business … learn more

Median Salary: $80,110  | Salary Span: $85,730

Job Outlook: 34% | # of New Jobs: 10,100

 Logistician

#16  Logistician

Overall Score: 70 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Logisticians are generally associated with supply chain management. They ensure that the logistics of production are as efficient and cost-effective as possible … learn more

Median Salary: $74,260  | Salary Span: $70,130

Job Outlook: 2% | # of New Jobs: 130,400

 Market Research Analyst

#17  Market Research Analyst

Overall Score: 70 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Market research analysts have exceptional research skills and create research tools to gather information and offer recommendations to a company. They ensure the company stays relevant in a competitive market … learn more

Median Salary: $62,150  | Salary Span: $56,930

Job Outlook: 19% | # of New Jobs: 92,300

 Loan Officer

#18  Loan Officer

Overall Score: 69 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Loan officers evaluate the financial credibility of loan candidates and ultimately offer recommendations on approval. They’re responsible for protecting the loaning institution from any risky business … learn more

Median Salary: $63,430  | Salary Span: $97,760

Job Outlook: 8% | # of New Jobs: 24,500

 Cost Estimator

#19  Cost Estimator

Overall Score: 64 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Cost estimators analyze costs associated with a campaign, product release or other business projects. They help organizations determine the financial feasibility of ideas … learn more

Median Salary: $60,390  | Salary Span: $65,850

Job Outlook: 9% | # of New Jobs: 18,700

 Financial Examiner

#20  Financial Examiner

Overall Score: 63 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s

Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws regarding financial transactions. They ensure the market is fair and equitable through investigations … learn more

Median Salary: $78,010  | Salary Span: $103,850

Job Outlook: 10% | # of New Jobs: 3,700