Earn More, Do More: How an MBA can Jumpstart Your Career

Pacific professor Fan Chen teaches during an MBA class.

Discover what an MBA can do for you. From job training to alumni networking, an advanced business degree can take your career to the next level with high pay and opportunities for leadership.

Learn how you can get your application fee waived and browse program requirements before submitting your admissions materials for our 2025 MBA cohorts!

Do you want to advance your career, gain in-demand skills in innovative fields, and ensure you earn more money over your lifetime?

What if you could do all three in just fifteen months without having to sacrifice your current job?

Enter Pacific’s MBA program, designed to help working professionals grow their prowess and discover their purpose.

There are many benefits of an MBA education but, perhaps none more important than the ability to drastically increase your salary due to newfound expertise.

How much more can you make with an advanced business degree? The average MBA salary may surprise you.

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Is the MBA an Entry-Level Degree?

For jobs in fields like finance, accounting, or marketing, an MBA is not required to begin a career in business.

However, advanced roles often require an advanced degree and expert training, something the MBA provides with exceptional results.

A master’s program in business opens up doors for a variety of career opportunities not easily available to graduates with only a bachelor’s degree, especially for those interested in leadership. 

Entry-level careers available to MBA graduates include:

  • Project manager. Capable of adapting to new tools and technologies quickly, project managers help keep organizations running smoothly by ensuring things are done on time and with as little disruption as possible.

  • People manager. Leaders at every level, people managers coordinate effective teams through thoughtful hiring, resource management, motivation and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

  • Business strategist. Strategists in every aspect of a business — creative, marketing, accounting, merchandising and more — help create plans so organizations reach their goals.

  • Business intelligence analyst. Prioritizing data and research, intelligence analysts dig deep into the operations of a business, providing managers with the info they need to run their teams and steer organizations in the right direction.

  • Consultant. Spread across a wide variety of fields and interests, including the growing Healthcare field, where consultants play a crucial role in enhancing medical operations and patient care strategies. 

What is the Starting Salary for an MBA graduate?

Chris Linn MBA '25 takes part in small group discussion during class at Pacific's Hillsboro campus.

The average salary for an MBA graduate varies between industries, but MBA starting salaries are routinely 66% higher than starting salaries with only a bachelor’s degree.   

A recent study showed that starting MBA salaries are around $125,000, much higher than the $75,000 starting salary for those entering the workforce with just an undergraduate degree.

Why the big difference?

High MBA starting salaries reflect hands-on training and specialization, supported by a thoughtful academic program focused on getting students prepared to make an impact in the workplace.

While undergraduate degree holders can still achieve leadership and specialized roles in business after gaining several years of experience, MBA programs include that experience directly in the curriculum.

A master’s in business administration salary takes that training into account, launching you into an advanced role with high pay.   

Will Getting an MBA Help Grow my Career?

Does getting an MBA have a good return on investment?

Whether you’re going directly into an MBA program from undergrad, returning to school after some professional business experience, or changing careers entirely, an MBA can have a lasting positive impact.

Regardless of what stage you are at in your work, an MBA can boost your career with:

  • Strong alumni connections. MBA alumni networks are some of the strongest in the country, with working professionals not only teaching, but helping place grads into fields where they can thrive.

  • In-demand skills. The business world is constantly evolving, that is why having faculty at the forefront of trending issues such as Data Analytics to provide relevant and robust training on MBA issues can give you a generous boost in your job search.

  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary training. MBAs can fill roles in a variety of industries, so experience in healthcare, computer science, and math can all add new layers to your career. 

Can I get an MBA While Still Working?

The MBA has always been seen as a degree pathway for working professionals who want to accelerate their career with new roles and opportunities.

Flexible programs, like Pacific’s online and in-person MBA, enable you to keep your current employment commitments, allowing you to graduate prepared for advancement.

This means that you can take courses during the weekend from the comfort of your own home and still have time for internships, current careers, family and your passions. 

You can keep your career on track without sacrifice with a flexible MBA and emerge with an advanced degree that will net you a higher salary and leadership opportunities.


Applications for Pacific’s Master of Business Administration program are open now! Complete your degree in just 15 months and start earning and doing more in your career.

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