A business degree can be applied to virtually any industry and can also be used to help you start your own business. Many students start their professional training with an undergraduate business or business administration degree and proceed to graduate school or an MBA (Master's of Business Administration). Many working adults take online college courses in everything from business management to financial planning, making it easier to advance or change careers even after you've started working.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Investment Fund Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$111,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $111,230 per year |
Economists
Position Description:Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$109,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $109,230 per year |
Survey Researchers
Position Description:Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$59,340 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $59,340 per year |
Accountants
Position Description:Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$75,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,280 per year |
Auditors
Position Description:Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$75,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,280 per year |
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$121,630 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $121,630 per year |
Financial Managers, Branch or Department
Position Description:Direct and coordinate financial activities of workers in a branch, office, or department of an establishment, such as branch bank, brokerage firm, risk and insurance department, or credit department.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$134,330 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $134,330 per year |
Budget Analysts
Position Description:Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$75,150 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,150 per year |
Securities and Commodities Traders
Position Description:Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$102,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $102,860 per year |
Credit Analysts
Position Description:Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$79,720 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $79,720 per year |
Financial Analysts
Position Description:Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$95,320 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $95,320 per year |
Human Resources Specialists
Position Description:Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and place workers.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$63,710 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $63,710 per year |
Human Resources Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$117,080 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $117,080 per year |
Insurance Sales Agents
Position Description:Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$64,790 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $64,790 per year |
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Position Description:Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$65,100 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $65,100 per year |
Labor Relations Specialists
Position Description:Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$60,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $60,930 per year |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Position Description:Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$70,030 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $70,030 per year |
Marketing Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$140,660 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $140,660 per year |
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$113,610 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $113,610 per year |
Public Relations Specialists
Position Description:Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$65,830 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $65,830 per year |
Purchasing Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$114,130 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 4 | $114,130 per year |
Sales Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$130,400 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $130,400 per year |
Securities and Commodities Traders
Position Description:Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$102,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $102,860 per year |
Training and Development Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$111,680 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $111,680 per year |
Database Administrators
Position Description:Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$84,250 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $84,250 per year |
Administrative Services Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$94,840 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $94,840 per year |
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Position Description:Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$59,270 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $59,270 per year |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Position Description:Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$66,820 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 3 | $66,820 per year |
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Position Description:Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$39,180 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $39,180 per year |
Loan Officers
Position Description:Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$75,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $75,170 per year |
Manufacturing Production Technicians
Position Description:Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$62,820 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 3 | $62,820 per year |
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Position Description:Directly supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers, such as flight attendants, hairdressers, or caddies.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$38,670 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 3 | $38,670 per year |
Quality Control Analysts
Position Description:Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$48,360 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $48,360 per year |
Real Estate Sales Agents
Position Description:Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$58,410 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $58,410 per year |
Travel Agents
Position Description:Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for travel agency customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$38,750 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $38,750 per year |
Credit Checkers
Position Description:Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. Telephone or write to credit departments of business and service establishments to obtain information about applicant's credit standing.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$37,920 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 2 | $37,920 per year |
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
Position Description:Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$42,900 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 2 | $42,900 per year |
Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Direct and coordinate financial activities of workers in a branch, office, or department of an establishment, such as branch bank, brokerage firm, risk and insurance department, or credit department.
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making.
Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. Telephone or write to credit departments of business and service establishments to obtain information about applicant's credit standing.
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and place workers.
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.
Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers, such as flight attendants, hairdressers, or caddies.
Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for travel agency customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Explore career information and other resources specifically tailored to Business Administration majors.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Summer Hours:
Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.