Having an MBA is a statement to the world that you hold advanced business knowledge and are capable of facing the challenges of the business world. This often leads to a greater appeal to high-level employers, landing MBA graduates with high profile jobs and subsequently a greater salary. The potential for higher salaries is a constant benefit to studying an MBA and is one of the biggest motivators for business professionals to pursue the program.
According to the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings 2019, MBA graduates can expect a huge average salary increase of 77 percent.
Australia has been named one of the best countries in the world for MBA earning potential, ranking in the top 10 according to research by QS.
Here QS’ list of top countries for base MBA salaries.
10) Germany
Salary: US$77,200
Germany is the largest economy in Europe, so it’s unsurprising that it makes it into the top 10 for MBA salaries globally. Home to global business centers such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, there are a wealth of industries for MBA graduates to choose from, and with healthy bonuses of around US$16,900, you can expect a total remuneration of US$94,100 annually.
9) Japan
Salary: US$80,000
Japan’s capital Tokyo was ranked the second-best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2018 ranking, and with a healthy post-MBA salary average of US$80,000 it can be just as enjoyable for graduates as it is for current students. Bonuses are impressive in this Asian financial hub, with an average of around US$26,600 (the second highest in the top 10) leading to an overall average compensation of US$106,600.
8) Singapore
Salary: US$82,700
Despite this city state’s relatively small population of approximately 5.8 million people, it offers exceptional MBA graduate salaries, with average bonuses of US$22,600 meaning you can expect around US$105,300 annually. Ranked as the fourth most competitive financial center in the world by the Global Financial Centers Index, it’s no wonder this innovative city proves such a draw to MBA graduates worldwide.
7) Italy
Salary: US$86,400
With an average salary of US$86,400 and significant bonuses of US$25,400, MBA graduates can truly live la dolce vita in Italy! Home to Europe’s 10th best MBA program at SDA Bocconi, Italy could be a great destination for an MBA graduate, particularly those in manufacturing industries – Italy is the second largest manufacturer in the EU behind Germany.
6) United Kingdom
Salary: US$92,400
The UK is a hugely popular destination for MBA study, with destinations such as Imperial College Business School, Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Cambridge’s Judge Business School drawing students from all over the world. It’s also the third best country in Europe for MBA salaries, with the highest bonuses in our top 10, an average of US$30,500 (leading to an average overall remuneration of US$122,900). The capital, London, is the second most competitive financial center in the world, housing the headquarters of banking powerhouses like HSBC and Barclays.
5) Australia
Salary: US$98,400
Offering the best MBA graduate salaries in the Oceania region, Australia offers more than just fantastic beaches and wildlife. With average bonuses of US$17,800, MBA graduates can expect a total compensation package of US$116,200. Australia is also home to some leading business schools, including the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).
4) France
Salary: $98,500
France is consistently a top destination for MBA study (with top schools like HEC Paris and INSEAD), and with the impressive post-graduation salaries, it’s easy to see why. With average bonuses of US$17,700 and an overall remuneration of US$116,200, it has the second-best graduate salaries in Europe. It also ranks fifth in the world in the Fortune Global 500, as home to 28 of the biggest companies globally.
3) Canada
Salary: US$99,800
Landing the bronze medal position for MBA salaries is Canada, where base salaries narrowly miss out on the US$100,000 mark. However, with average bonuses of US$11,300, you can expect an overall compensation of US$111,100 a year. Canada is known as an ‘energy superpower’ due to its abundant natural resources, proving Canada is a great post-MBA destination for those interested in the oil and gas industry.
2) United States
Salary: US$102,100
In second place for MBA salaries is the home of the MBA itself, the United States. With some of the best MBA programs in the world, such as at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School and this year’s top ranked school, Stanford Graduate School of Business, it’s unsurprising that the US is excellent for MBA salaries. With average bonuses of US$18,800, overall salaries in the US average an impressive US$120,900.
1) Switzerland
Salary: US$123,500
Top of the table for MBA salaries is Switzerland, which offers a staggering average base salary of US$123,500. With bonuses of US$17,400, overall MBA compensation in Switzerland is by far the highest in the world, at US$140,900. It is the seventh richest country in the world, and a hub for many industries, notably the banking sector, pharmaceutical industry, and watches.
