From accountants to loan officers: The 25 highest-paying business and finance occupations

Ground Picture // Shutterstock Business and financial occupations–which concern the day-to-day duties of running a business or are related to raising or managing money– pay well. People in those positions made a median annual wage of $76,570 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. That far exceeds the BLS-measured median annual wage of $45,760 for all occupations. Employment in these occupations is also expected to increase 7% through 2031, leading to about 715,100 new jobs over the decade that began in 2021. Besides newly created jobs, opportunities are created when workers leave the field, either from moving to new occupations or retirements. Those openings will total about 980,200 a year on average for the next decade. Santa Clara University used the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from May 2021 to find the 25 highest-paying business and financial occupations. The analysis ranks occupations by their median annual wage across all industries, including both the public and private sectors. It excluded occupations in “other” categories. (For example, “Business Operations Specialists, All Other.”) Standard errors ranging between 0.2% and 4% mean that the actual median wages could vary, creating probable overlap between many of the rankings. Descriptions of jobs and information on educational backgrounds are also from the BLS website. #25. Fundraisers Halfpoint // Shutterstock – Annual median wage: $60,660 – Employment: 82,080 As the title suggests, fundraisers are responsible for raising money and other types of donations through events and campaigns that they organize. The money might go to nonprofit organizations–including educational, religious, health research, or social services organizations–or contributions to a politician running for public office. Typically a bachelor’s degree is required at the minimum, with a focus in communications, public relations, or business, and English proficiency is often preferred. The professional outlook is good, with employment in the fundraising field expected to grow 11% this decade, outpacing most other occupations. #24. Property Appraisers and Assessors Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock – Annual median wage: $61,340 – Employment: 58,340 Property appraisers and assessors provide an estimate on the value of real estate–often necessary to obtain a mortgage, for example–and on personal and business property. They will likely have a bachelor’s degree but also extensive on-the-job training. Growth in the field through 2031 is projected at 4%, nearly as fast as the national average. There are expected to be about 6,800 openings each year over the decade, replacing those who leave the field or retire. #23. Training and Development Specialists Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock – Annual median wage: $61,570 – Employment: 336,030 These specialists, who usually need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field, help employees improve their skills. They plan and administer programs to foster that advancement and work in nearly every industry. To be successful, they should have strong communication skills and on-the-job experience. The job outlook through 2031 projects an 8% growth rate. #22. Human Resources Specialists djrandco // Shutterstock – Annual median wage: $62,290 – Employment: 740,830 Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview candidates for jobs, and may also handle pay and other compensation, as well as benefits, training, and employee relations. Those responsible for recruitment in particular may conduct video interviews via Zoom, but also travel to job fairs and college campuses. Typically, those in the field have a bachelor’s degree, often specializing in human resources or business. Employment in the HR specialist field is expected to grow by 8% through 2031. #21. Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers ITisha // Shutterstock – Annual median wage: $62,680 – Employment: 11,430 Auto damage appraisers typically have experience estimating the cost of vehicle repairs or a certificate indicating postsecondary training in the field. They usually receive on-the-job training that can last several months, during which they are supervised by an experienced appraiser while estimating the cost of damages. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. The number of jobs for all claims adjusters and appraisers is expected to decline by 6% over the next decade. #20. Loan Officers