⭐ Employment Rate: 85% received job offers, and 77% accepted roles quickly after graduation
🌍 Global Placement: 88% work in the U.S., while 12% pursue roles in Asia, Europe, and beyond
Introduction
Harvard Business School (HBS), part of Harvard University, is one of the world’s most prestigious business schools. Located in Allston, Massachusetts, HBS is known for its rich history, world-class faculty, and the widely used case method. It has produced leaders in business, academia, and policy—making it a top destination for future MBA students.
If you’re curious about Harvard MBA Salary, the figures are impressive. The Class of 2024 reports a median base salary of $175,000, with signing bonuses of $30,000 (53% of students) and variable bonuses of $47,500 (65% of students). These numbers show why investing in an HBS MBA can be a strong step toward a high-earning career.
What Are the Average Starting Salary for Harvard MBA Graduates?
The average salary for Harvard MBA graduates of class 2024 is USD 175,000.
Harvard MBA graduates command some of the highest starting salaries globally, reflecting the program’s reputation for producing top-tier business leaders. Recent data reveals that the average starting salary for Harvard MBA graduates exceeds $175,000 per year in base pay alone. When additional components like signing bonuses and performance incentives are factored in, total compensation often surpasses $200,000, particularly in high-paying industries such as consulting, finance, and technology.
Graduates entering the consulting sector, for instance, typically earn between $170,000 to $190,000, while those in finance and private equity often see starting packages exceeding $200,000. These figures highlight the financial value of a Harvard MBA and the program's strong return on investment.
Industry
Average Base Salary
Total Compensation
Consulting
$175,000 - $190,000
$200,000+ (including bonuses)
Finance & Private Equity
$185,000 - $200,000
$220,000+
Technology
$160,000 - $180,000
$190,000+
Healthcare/Non-Profit
$130,000 - $150,000
$160,000+
Harvard MBA Salaries by Industry
Harvard MBA graduate salaries vary based on negotiation skills and specific job roles. When considering an MBA program like HBS, you should research salary data specific to your career goals and target industries.
Category
Median Base Salary
Median Signing Bonus
Median Performance Bonus
Overall
$175,000
$30,000
$40,000
Consulting
$192,000
$30,000
$32,000
Investment Banking
$175,000
$54,000
$100,000
Private Equity
$175,000
$50,000
$120,000
Technology
$170,000
$30,000
$30,000
1. Consulting
Harvard Business School (HBS) graduates are often in high demand within the consulting industry. Consulting firms recognize the exceptional problem-solving and strategic skills that HBS imparts to its students. As a result, the median salary for HBS graduates entering consulting roles typically starts at USD 190,000.
These competitive salaries reflect the value that consulting firms place on the analytical, communication, and leadership abilities of HBS alumni. With their solid foundation in business principles and a knack for creative problem-solving, HBS graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the fast-paced consulting world.
2. Finance
Harvard Business School careers focusing on finance have the opportunity to secure substantial compensation packages. Starting salaries in investment banking range from USD 150,000 to USD 175,000. Those venturing into private equity can expect even higher salaries, typically from USD 180,000 to USD 200,000.
HBS funds present diverse compensation structures, but many HBS graduates in this field find salaries exceeding USD 200,000. Asset management roles also offer competitive compensation, generally around USD 150,000 to USD 170,000 or more.
3. Technology
Technology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that highly values the skills and innovation that HBS graduates bring. Product management roles in the technology sector offer starting salaries ranging from USD 140,000 to USD 160,000 or more. Technology consulting positions, which require a blend of business acumen and technical expertise, typically come with starting salaries of USD 150,000 to USD 170,000 or higher.
Technology companies eager to attract HBS graduates for leadership roles offer competitive compensation packages that reflect the value placed on their strategic thinking and ability to drive innovation. HBS alumni find themselves well-positioned to lead in the ever-expanding world of technology and its impact on industries worldwide.
Harvard MBA Salary Across Different Locations
The salary of Harvard MBA graduates can vary significantly depending on the location of their employment. Factors such as the cost of living, industry concentration, and regional demand for MBA talent all influence the salaries in different locations. Here's a general overview of how salaries for Harvard MBA graduates can vary across different locations:
North America
Harvard MBA graduates in North America typically earn competitive salaries three years after graduation. On average, salaries for graduates in this region can range from around USD 155,000 to USD 192,000 or more. The high concentration of finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare industries contributes to these robust salary figures.
East Coast (e.g., New York City, Boston)
In cities like New York City and Boston, Harvard MBA graduates working on the East Coast often enjoy some of the highest salaries. These urban centers house numerous finance, consulting, and technology firms. As a result, it's not uncommon for graduates to earn starting salaries exceeding USD 180,000 in these locations.
West Coast (e.g., San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles)
The West Coast, known for its technology and startup hubs, offers competitive compensation to Harvard MBA graduates. In cities like San Francisco and Silicon Valley, average salaries can range from USD 145,000 to USD 185,000, particularly in technology and entrepreneurial roles.
International (various cities worldwide)
Harvard MBA program graduates working internationally find diverse salary ranges based on their location. Major financial centers like London and Hong Kong often provide competitive salaries for finance and consulting roles. In emerging markets or regions with lower living costs, salaries may be lower but still attractive, averaging around USD 130,000 or more.
Location
Median Base Salary
Mid-Atlantic (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 147,000
Median
USD 175,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 192,000
Midwest (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 139,000
Median
USD 188,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 192,000
Northeast (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 155,000
Median
USD 180,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 192,000
South (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 151,000
Median
USD 192,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 192,000
Southwest (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 159,000
Median
USD 190,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 192,000
West (US)
25th Percentile Base
USD 145,000
Median
USD 170,000
75th Percentile Base
USD 185,000
Job Placement Records
Harvard Business School boasts an impressive job placement record, as highlighted by recent HBS employment data. Within three months of graduating, 86% of students secure at least one job offer, with many benefiting from the competitive Harvard MBA salary, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in preparing its graduates for the workforce.
This statistic not only reflects the school's high caliber of education and networking opportunities but also its dedication to ensuring ample job opportunities for its students. Furthermore, the fact that 80% of students received job offers during this period underscores Harvard Business School's commitment to their success in securing employment with attractive salary packages
The Harvard MBA program, a top-tier choice among MBA colleges in USA, offers significant returns on investment, particularly when considering the Harvard MBA salary. Graduates are well-known for commanding some of the highest compensation packages in various industries and locations worldwide. If you're exploring options for an MBA, Harvard not only provides excellent career growth opportunities but also a notable increase in earning potential.
What is the median starting salary for Harvard MBA graduates?
The median starting salary for Harvard MBA graduates is USD 175,000.
What is the average Harvard MBA salary by industry?
Harvard MBA graduates earn different average salaries depending on where they work. In consulting, they make around $192,000. In investment banking and investment management, they earn about $175,000. Private equity pays a bit more, with an average of $185,000. Venture capital is similar, at $175,000. In the tech industry, the average is around $158,000. These salaries show how Harvard MBA grads are valued in various fields, with consulting offering the highest pay.
What is the percentage of MBA graduates that get employed?
The employment percentage of MBA graduates is 86%.
Know Your Author
Abhyank Srinet
|
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.
Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.
His dedication to education also led him to create MentR-Me, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized guidance and resources, including profile evaluation, application assistance, and mentoring from alumni of top global institutions.
Continuously adopting the latest strategies, Abhyank is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the most effective guidance. His profound insights, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication have helped his clients securing of over 100 crores in scholarships, making him an invaluable asset for individuals aiming to advance their education and careers and leading both his ventures to seven-figure revenues.
