The Highest Paying Management Jobs

Business person with arms crossed
Photo: MoMo Productions / Getty Images

You might be well suited for a management position if you're a strong team leader who enjoys overseeing large projects and making the tough decisions. There are many different management jobs available in a variety of fields, each with a unique set of responsibilities.

Management jobs tend to be financially rewarding, as well. Many of the roles on our list of high-paying jobs are management positions.

01 of 10

Chief Executive

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with arms crossed
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Chief executives plan, coordinate, and oversee the operational activities of companies. They work to ensure that their companies meet their goals. Chief executives work in a variety of public- and private-sector industries.

Although they typically earn the highest salary of all management positions, they also work extremely long hours and are essentially responsible for the success of their companies.

Chief executives earned median annual pay of $179,520 in 2021.

02 of 10

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Manager in server room
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Computer and information systems managers, also known as information technology managers, plan, coordinate, and oversee technology-related activities within an organization. They determine the information technology needs of a company, then implement programs to see that these needs are met.

They also direct and oversee the work of other information technology (IT) workers. IT managers can work in a variety of fields that rely on technology.

Computer and information systems managers earned a median annual wage of $159,010 in 2021.

03 of 10

Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager explaining marketing plan
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Marketing managers plan and oversee programs to generate interest in a service or product. A marketing manager identifies markets for its company’s products and develops strategies to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. The manager works with sales, public relations, and product development to ensure the success of each marketing program.

Marketing managers earned $133,800 in median annual pay in 2021.

04 of 10

Architectural and Engineering Manager

Architectural and Engineering Manager discuss project
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Architectural and engineering managers plan, coordinate, and oversee projects in architecture and engineering. They may work on projects to develop new products and designs or work to identify technical problems with current projects.

As managers, they must know how to implement budgets for projects, assess equipment needs, and hire and supervise employees.

Architectural and engineering managers earned median annual pay of $152,350, in 2021.

05 of 10

Financial Manager

Financial Manager leading budget meeting
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Financial managers oversee the financial health of an organization. They help devise long-term financial goals and implement these plans through investment activities, financial reports, and analysis of market trends. They typically work closely with other managers to make financial decisions for the company.

Financial managers earn median annual pay of $131,710, according to the BLS.

06 of 10

Natural Sciences Manager

Natural Sciences Manager discussing research with team
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Natural sciences managers plan and supervise the work of other scientists. Depending on their field, they may work with biologists, chemists, or physicists in a variety of specializations.

Natural science managers may be working to advance scientific research, develop new products, or improve manufacturing processes. Along with overseeing fellow scientists, managers must coordinate their activities with contractors, material suppliers, and other managers.

Natural science managers earned median annual pay of $137,900 in 2021.

07 of 10

Sales Manager

Sales Manager showing employee marketing plan
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Sales managers direct their organization’s sales department or team. They set sales goals and implement training programs and work strategies to improve employees’ sales records. Most sales managers start their careers as sales representatives and work their way up into management. Sales managers typically have a bachelor’s degree and top-notch analytical and communication skills.

Sales managers earned a median annual wage of $127,490 in 2021.

08 of 10

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and Benefits Manager discussing benefits with new employee
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Compensation and benefits managers plan and coordinate the compensation packages of an organization. They manage employee’s salaries, retirement plans, insurance packages, and other benefits. Their job is typically housed within the human resources department of a company.

Compensation and benefits managers earned median annual pay of $127,530 in 2021.

09 of 10

Public Relations/Fundraising Manager

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager describes upcoming event
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Public relations and fundraising managers plan and oversee programs that ensure a favorable public image for their employer or client. They also typically work to raise funds for the company. Their work may involve developing public relations programs and media releases and developing and planning fundraising events and strategies.

Public relations and fundraising managers earn a median annual salary of $119,860, according to the BLS.

10 of 10

General and Operations Manager

General and Operations Manager discussing workflow with employee
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General managers, also known as operations managers, direct a variety of different operations. Their duties may include managing the daily operations of an office or company, formulating policies, or developing and overseeing specific projects.

General managers and operations managers earned a median annual wage of $97,970 in 2021.

The Bottom Line

All these positions pay well and they're attainable and within reach. But they can depend on your interests, talents and affinities. You'll likely go further with a degree in management, but this isn't always necessary with a solid, proven track record of experience. Networking can play a major role in landing you the job of your dreams as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I study to be a manager?

A business management degree should put you in a good position. As with most fields, you'll stand out more with a master's degree, but a bachelor's degree should also get your foot in the door.

Why does management get paid more?

Companies tend to pay well for the ability to lead and to do it with successful results. The demand for good managers also tends to remain high even in iffy economies.

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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Chief Executives.”

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer and Information Systems Managers.”

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers.”

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Architectural and Engineering Managers.”

  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Financial Managers.”

  6. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Natural Sciences Managers.”

  7. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Sales Managers.”

  8. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Compensation and Benefits Managers.”

  9. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Public Relations and Fundraising Managers.”

  10. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: General and Operations Managers.”

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