Aside from its rich history and beautiful architecture, there are several reasons to consider getting an MBA in San Francisco. With tourism on the rise and a thriving small business scene, this community supports entrepreneurs and big business owners alike. Earning an MBA opens many doors. With this versatile degree, you can start your own brick-and-mortar store, create a tech startup, or rise to the top of a corporation and work as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
However, you don't need to move to the West Coast to earn a degree from a San Francisco college or university. Thanks to convenient online learning options, you can avoid the city's high cost of living and lengthy commute times by earning your degree online. Browse this list of the best online MBA programs from business schools in San Francisco and start planning your future today.
Career Outlook With an MBA in San Francisco
Job outlook for graduates of the best MBA programs in San Francisco looks bright. The city is a 40-minute drive from Silicon Valley, where you can explore innovative tech startups and analyze what makes these emerging businesses successful. Tech startups can eventually grow into large companies that employ hundreds of people.
San Francisco and Silicon Valley are one of California's best regions to seek employment after earning an MBA. Strolling down one of San Francisco's steep hills, you can see large corporations housed in modern buildings and small, locally owned businesses giving new life to a historic storefront. The overall unemployment rate in California is 4.1%, while San Francisco's is 2.2%.
When you choose one of the online MBA programs in San Francisco, you benefit from supportive government programs. The Mayor's Office of Community Development Loan Fund offers emerging companies loans ranging from $1,000-$250,000.
Nearly 70% of San Franciscans possess educational training beyond high school. For this reason, earning a graduate degree, like an MBA, can help set you apart from the crowd. Although San Francisco has a high cost of living, most employers also pay more, and entrepreneurs can charge more for their products.
San Francisco's top industries include professional businesses and services, trade, transportation, utilities, and hospitality. This means graduates can find jobs in hotels, restaurants, and corporations upon graduation. Some of the largest San Francisco employers include Advent Software, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, and Gourmet Gate. With so many industries and businesses to choose from, MBA graduates have a lot of options. Explore our California page to learn more about the state's online MBA programs.
| Metro Area | Percentage of Open Business Positions | Percentage of Remaining Discretionary Income After Expense | Average Unemployment Rate for Individuals 20-29 Years Old |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 1.8 | 62.7 | 9.6 |
Source: Move.org, 2019
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
MBA Salary in San Francisco
| Occupation Group | Annual Mean Wage | Examples of Job Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Management | $151,760 | Chief Executives, General Operations Managers, Sales Managers |
| Business and Financial Operations | $96,890 | Buyers/Purchasing Agents, Compliance Officers, Human Resources Specialists |
| Computer and Mathematical | $119,370 | Computer Programmers, Software Developers, Information Security Analysts |
Average Salary for MBA Graduates in San Francisco, California
MBA Employment in San Francisco
| Occupation Group | Employment | Examples of Job Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Management | 170,970 | Chief Executives, General Operations Managers, Sales Managers |
| Business and Financial Operations | 185,490 | Buyers/Purchasing Agents, Compliance Officers, Human Resources Specialists |
| Computer and Mathematical | 138,430 | Computer Programmers, Software Developers, Information Security Analysts |


