Campus is the new alternative to online community college that provides a 100% live and online Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree program. Our comprehensive, career-focused business program equips students from across the U.S. with a solid foundation in core business principles to set them up for success no matter what their next step is. Read on to explore the world of business and how starting with a business degree might be your next best move.
If you want to earn an associate degree in business administration, you will likely have questions about the salary you can expect after graduation. An associate degree in business, such as the online one we offer at Campus, can be very valuable as it gives you a strong foundation in business principles and management skills.
This degree opens up opportunities for entry-level positions in various industries where you can pursue career paths in finance, accounting, marketing, management, human resources, and more. And according to PayScale, the salary expectation should range from $39,000 to $81,410 per year.*
However, many factors like the type of job specialization, industry, and location, as well as work experience and skills potential for graduates, all influence an associate degree in business administration salary and contribute to the overall earning potential after graduation. Similarly, entry-level business administration salary figures can vary widely based on factors such as location, industry demand, and individual qualifications.
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Guaranteed, when you gain more experience and take on a higher-level role, such as business analyst, sales manager, or human resources specialist, you can earn a higher salary than those without experience! Let’s dive into the various salaries of different business positions so you can gain a better understanding of what your career and income might look like once you earn your degree!
Salary Overview
As a business graduate, your knowledge of general business, finance, accounting, management, and marketing principles allows you to pursue career opportunities that span several industries, including manufacturing, consulting, retail, banking, advertising, marketing, or even music.
While other fields might have high-earning entry-level positions, in business administration, you can work in various settings, ranging from small businesses to international corporations, and your salary will vary depending on your chosen career path. Therefore, your earning potential may increase as you advance in your business career.
Entry-level positions in business, such as sales associate, bank teller, administrative assistant, accounting assistant, and payroll specialist, typically offer salaries ranging from around $11.01 to $19.68 per hour with little to no experience according to Indeed.
Entry-level business administration salary levels can be a critical consideration for those embarking on their career journey in this field. These positions will often provide you with a solid foundation if you want to start your career in business. And for these jobs, it’s usually an opportunity to acquire more hands-on coaching, so if you’re hoping to begin a thriving business career, you can start here.
Exploring the entry-level business administration salary landscape helps illuminate the potential growth trajectory within this dynamic field. As you gain more experience and take on additional responsibilities, such as marketing coordinators, retail managers, customer service supervisors, general managers, or retail account managers, you can pursue mid-level positions and increase your associate degree in business salary. Salaries for these mid-level positions generally fall between $44,584 and $53,879 per year, according to Indeed.
However, by acquiring additional certifications or qualifications, you may have opportunities for higher-paying positions if you specialize in a particular business area, such as accounting, finance, or human resources. Entry-level business administration salary considerations can be further augmented by pursuing additional certifications or specializations in high-demand sectors like accounting or finance. Roles such as human resources manager, sales manager, or management analyst can offer higher-paying salaries as you grow in your career.
Common Jobs & Salaries for Business Administration Degree Holders
When you want to begin your associate degree in business administration, you may get anxious about how that degree can translate into a great-paying job. But not only are top jobs in this field growing faster than average, but they are also rewarding and highly lucrative positions.
An associate degree in business administration leads to various business careers since the business field impacts everyone. So, if you take the time to understand the jobs you can pursue post-graduation, then you can adequately prepare and plan your career path.
Remember, one of the key benefits of an associate degree in business administration is immediate entry into the business field. There are plenty of well-paying positions requiring a degree. Exploring the landscape of associate degree in business administration salary expectations reinforces the notion that this qualification offers immediate access to lucrative career paths.
But suppose you're not sure that pursuing a business administration degree is worth it, the investment, that is. Delving into associate degree in business administration salary data can assuage concerns about the return on investment for pursuing this educational path. Below we will discuss five business administration jobs that tend to require a minimum of an associate degree.
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Sales Support Specialist
A sales support specialist assists with all steps of a sale process, including resolving any potential shipping issues, tracking orders, and ensuring the orders are shipped efficiently. They support the sales team and ensure smooth operations within a company's sales department.
Additionally, they handle administrative tasks, coordinate with different departments, and provide excellent customer service. Their core functions include order processing and ensuring the accuracy of pricing, quantities, and product details. They coordinate with different departments, such as inventory and shipping, to ensure timely delivery to customers; they also prepare and maintain sales-related documents, such as quotes, proposals, contracts, and sales reports/ sales data analysis.
The key skills for this role include organization, attention to detail, goal-orientation, time management, and effective communication since the job objective is to provide customer support. These people play a crucial role in contributing to the overall success of the sales department.
A sales support specialist can work in all kinds of companies. Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management platform, often hires sales support specialists to assist their sales teams and help with CRM management. Also, technology companies like IBM, Cisco Systems, and Oracle frequently employ them for similar operations including support with order processing, customer service, and sales reporting to ensure seamless processes.
The average salary for this role is $61,771 per year, though often with sales roles, there is an opportunity to make much more.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant provides administrative and clerical support. They are often the first point of contact for visitors and clients, providing customer service and managing inquiries. They manage the schedules of executives or teams, schedule meetings, appointments, and events, ensure that calendars are up to date, resolve scheduling conflicts, and send reminders.
Part of their responsibilities involves maintaining records and files, both physical and digital, ensuring they are organized and easily accessible. This may include archiving documents, updating databases, and managing information flow. They also handle incoming and outgoing communication, including emails, phone calls, and written correspondence.
These people must have excellent organizational and multitasking skills, as they often juggle multiple responsibilities and deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important because they constantly interact with various stakeholders within and outside the organization. Attention to detail and maintaining confidentiality are crucial attributes for an administrative assistant. They are often considered the backbone of an organization, providing valuable support to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations.
An administrative assistant can work in several companies in handling various administrative tasks. Some companies include U.S. Census Bureau, Marriott International, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. They assist with scheduling, correspondence, coordinating meetings, and general office management. The national average salary for this role is around $39,680 per year or $19.08 per hour, according to the BLS.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative maintains a positive relationship between the organization and customers. They provide prompt and professional assistance to customers in person, over the phone, or through digital channels.
They answer customer queries, provide product or service information, and address complaints. Usually, they do this by listening attentively to customer concerns, collecting relevant information, and finding suitable solutions to ensure customer satisfaction. They maintain effective communication with these customers throughout the process, providing updates on orders and following up.
They also handle order placement and processing, including verifying customer details, ensuring proper product selection, and coordinating with relevant departments to ensure timely order fulfillment and delivery. They maintain accurate customer records, including contact details, interactions, and necessary documentation related to customer inquiries or issues.
CSRs must possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills to address customer concerns and provide accurate information effectively. They strive to create positive customer experiences by maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor.
Companies that work with customer service representatives, like Burlington Stores, use the role to handle customer inquiries, troubleshoot technical issues and provide product support. Apple, American Express, and Amazon are other companies that work with the reps to assist with account inquiries, billing issues, and other customer-related concerns. The BLS reports the average salary for this role to be $36,920 per year or $17.75 per hour according to information collected in 2021.
Office Manager
An office manager handles various administrative tasks, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining office records and documents. They oversee administrative tasks and the office's day-to-day operations, ensuring that all office supplies and equipment are available and in working order. They may also handle facilities management, office maintenance, and vendor relationships.
They often serve as a point of contact for staff members, assisting with inquiries, providing guidance, and facilitating communication between different departments. Most of their responsibilities cover managing office budgets, tracking expenses, and processing invoices and payments. They may also assist with various HR functions, such as onboarding new employees, maintaining employee records, managing time off requests, and coordinating training or professional development activities.
Office managers must have strong organizational skills to prioritize work, manage schedules, and ensure smooth operations. They are detail-oriented, which is crucial to ensure accuracy, and they maintain organized records. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, great for effective collaboration, resolving conflicts, and building positive relationships.
Some top companies where an office manager could work are Deloitte, overseeing office operations, coordinating meetings and events, managing resources, and providing administrative support to their teams. Similarly, they work in Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon, managing office logistics and coordinating facilities management. The national median salary for this role is around $82,578 per year.
Human Resources Manager
People in this position oversee all aspects of an organization's human resources functions. They collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent. They handle employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures.
Their key job functions are building a positive work environment, addressing employee concerns, and promoting a culture of fairness and respect. They may identify training needs, design modules, or facilitate training sessions. They coordinate employee training and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge within the organization.
HR managers ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies. They keep up-to-date with changes in employment legislation and advise management on legal and ethical considerations in HR practices.
Human resources managers must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They must also stay updated on the latest HR trends and best practices to support the organization's human capital needs effectively.
This role is found in organizations across various industries, including technology, consumer goods, manufacturing, and consulting. They are seen handling HR operations, employee engagement strategies, performance management, talent management initiatives, and policy implementation.
HRMs can make approximately $126,230 in median income per year or $60.69 per hour, and with more years of experience, some can make more. Apparently, this is one of the highest-paying business administration jobs.
Start Your Career in Business Today
Once you graduate with an associate degree in business administration, you are well on your way to getting jobs in various positions that best maximize your business skills. This program opens up entry-level career opportunities, so you can pursue positions such as administrative assistant, customer service representative, sales support specialist, office manager, and more. These roles serve as stepping stones for a career in business and further advancement.
Throughout the program, you can develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and technical proficiency. These are skills that are highly transferable and sought after by employers in various industries. After graduation, you will have the knowledge and abilities to contribute effectively in a business environment.
Pursuing an associate degree in business administration also provides opportunities to connect with professors, classmates, and professionals to build a strong professional network, which is crucial for career development and future success. And if you wish to continue your education, this degree provides a basis for more specialized study in finance, marketing, human resources, or entrepreneurship. Understanding the potential associate degree in business administration salary can also guide decisions regarding further education or specialization in fields like finance, marketing, or human resources.
Campus has an associate degree in business program in a 100% online format that gives students all the tools they need to enter the job market with in-demand business skills. Click here to request more info.
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