An affordable MBA degree can boost your chances of a high return on investment (ROI) after graduation. MBA-holders can pursue some of the highest-paid careers in finance, marketing, healthcare, and technology.
Employment data suggests promising growth for many MBA careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that management analyst jobs will increase by 11% and medical and health services management positions will grow by 32% from 2019-2029.
Some states offer excellent opportunities for business growth, allowing more opportunities for MBA graduates to find high-paying jobs. Our ranking highlights the best states for MBA graduates, detailing average MBA salaries, in-demand business careers, and top employers.
Best States for Business
Washington | New York | California | District of Columbia | New Jersey | Colorado | Massachusetts | Virginia | Texas | Georgia
States With the Best Job Markets
This ranking showcases the top 10 states for MBA graduates. Factors determining the order of states include the prevalence of companies hiring MBA graduates, the average MBA salaries, and the potential ROI. We also considered each state's commitment to fostering business growth.
Finding New MBA Graduate Jobs
MBA graduate jobs exist in every state, but job-seekers benefit from reviewing multiple resources. Online job boards, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Google Job Search, provide an excellent starting point. However, using state-specific job boards can lead to more opportunities. Each state in this ranking offers a searchable job database:
Networking through alumni programs, job fairs, mentor recommendations, and professional organizations may also lead to promising job opportunities. Attending prominent business conferences also lets you meet founders, recruiters, and leaders. Notable annual networking events include the Startup Grind Global Conference in California and DigiMarCon in multiple locations, such as Orlando, Florida, and Houston, Texas.
While our ranking represents the best states for business in 2021, this can change in the future. As economies and business incentives shift, it's possible to see more career opportunities for MBA graduates arise in other states. The BLS provides state-by-state data to help you monitor the current business career climate across the country.
Strategize your career path:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a demand for new MBA graduate jobs?
The current U.S. job market shows a 34% decline in MBA jobs from May 2019 through May 2020. However, the BLS projects strong growth in several advanced positions requiring an MBA, including health services managers, financial managers, and human resources managers.
What companies hire the most MBA graduates?
Some of the best companies for MBA graduates fall within the technology industry, such as software development and cloud computing companies. Other top employers include healthcare, construction, aviation, retail, and finance.
Which are the best cities for business majors?
Some of the best cities for business program graduates are Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Richmond, Virginia; New York City, New York; and Seattle, Washington. These cities offer leadership roles in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and consulting.
Which states are doing the best economically?
Employment rate, business environment, and growth can determine a state's economic health. In 2021, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho boast the strongest economies based on these factors. Washington, Massachusetts, and Nevada round out the top six on the list.
Feature Image: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images
