Business & Consulting Careers
Lead, strategize, grow. Business careers are about making things happen.
Business and consulting careers include management consulting, product management, entrepreneurship, operations, and strategy. These roles require strong communication, analytical thinking, and leadership skills. The business world is increasingly data-driven and technology-enabled.
All Business & Consulting Careers
Grounds maintenance workers
Grounds maintenance workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.3 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $38,470, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Janitors and building cleaners
Janitors and building cleaners play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.4 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $35,930, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
๐ฅ AI-Powered Supply Chain Optimization Founder
Use AI to help companies predict demand, optimize inventory, plan logistics routes, reduce costs. Every company with a supply chain needs this.
๐ฅ PropTech Entrepreneur
Use technology to disrupt real estate.
๐ฅ Pet Tech Founder
Use tech to transform the pet industry โ AI pet health monitoring, custom pet food subscriptions, telemedicine for pets, pet insurance tech, smart feeders. Americans spend $150B on pets annually.
Pest control workers
Pest control workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 102K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $44,730, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Hand laborers and material movers
Hand laborers and material movers play a vital role in the US economy, with 7.0 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $37,680, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Food preparation workers
Food preparation workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 903K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $34,220, with projected growth of -3% through 2034 (Decline).
Bartenders
Bartenders play a vital role in the US economy, with 757K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $33,530, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Flight attendants
Flight attendants play a vital role in the US economy, with 131K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $67,130, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Water transportation workers
Water transportation workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 84K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $66,490, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Chefs and head cooks
Chefs and head cooks play a vital role in the US economy, with 197K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,990, with projected growth of 7% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Postal service workers
Postal service workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 500K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $57,870, with projected growth of -5% through 2034 (Decline).
Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers
Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.5 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $42,770, with projected growth of 8% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Cooks
Cooks play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.8 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $35,760, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Waiters and waitresses
Waiters and waitresses play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.3 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $33,760, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).
Food and beverage serving and related workers
Food and beverage serving and related workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 5.0 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $31,040, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
๐ฅ Direct-to-Consumer Brand Founder
Build your own consumer brand and sell directly to customers.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 836K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $87,980, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).
Railroad workers
Railroad workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 78K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $75,680, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Food service managers
Food service managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 353K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $65,310, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Bus drivers
Bus drivers play a vital role in the US economy, with 546K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,370, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Material moving machine operators
Material moving machine operators play a vital role in the US economy, with 868K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,620, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Retail sales workers
Retail sales workers play a vital role in the US economy, with 4.2 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $34,730, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Airline and commercial pilots
Airline and commercial pilots play a vital role in the US economy, with 155K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $198,100, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Construction managers
Construction managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 550K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $106,980, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Administrative services and facilities managers
Administrative services and facilities managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 423K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $106,880, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Entertainment and recreation managers
Entertainment and recreation managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 43K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $77,180, with projected growth of 8% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Lodging managers
Lodging managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 52K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $68,130, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.2 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $57,440, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Preschool and childcare center directors
Preschool and childcare center directors play a vital role in the US economy, with 90K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $56,270, with projected growth of -3% through 2034 (Decline).
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs play a vital role in the US economy, with 448K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $36,660, with projected growth of 9% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers plan campaigns to generate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, sales agents, and financial staff.
Industrial production managers
Industrial production managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 242K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $121,440, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Medical and health services managers
Medical and health services managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 616K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $117,960, with projected growth of 23% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Top executives
Top executives play a vital role in the US economy, with 4.0 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $105,350, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Elementary, middle, and high school principals
Elementary, middle, and high school principals play a vital role in the US economy, with 333K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $104,070, with projected growth of -2% through 2034 (Decline).
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 217K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $102,010, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Emergency management directors
Emergency management directors play a vital role in the US economy, with 13K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $86,130, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Social and community service managers
Social and community service managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 220K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,240, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Property, real estate, and community association managers
Property, real estate, and community association managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 466K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $66,700, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Real estate brokers and sales agents
Real estate brokers and sales agents play a vital role in the US economy, with 532K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $58,960, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Computer and information systems managers
Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 667K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $171,200, with projected growth of 15% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Architectural and engineering managers
Architectural and engineering managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 213K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $167,740, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Financial managers
Financial managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 869K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $161,700, with projected growth of 15% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
Natural sciences managers
Natural sciences managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 104K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $161,180, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Air traffic controllers
Air traffic controllers play a vital role in the US economy, with 24K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $144,580, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Compensation and benefits managers
Compensation and benefits managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 21K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $140,360, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Human resources managers
Human resources managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 222K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $140,030, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Sales managers
Sales managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 620K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $138,060, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Public relations and fundraising managers
Public relations and fundraising managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 129K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $132,870, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Training and development managers
Training and development managers play a vital role in the US economy, with 46K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $127,090, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Sales engineers
Sales engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 57K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $121,520, with projected growth of 5% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Postsecondary education administrators
Postsecondary education administrators play a vital role in the US economy, with 227K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $103,960, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.6 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $74,100, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Advertising sales agents
Advertising sales agents play a vital role in the US economy, with 104K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $61,460, with projected growth of -6% through 2034 (Decline).
Insurance sales agents
Insurance sales agents play a vital role in the US economy, with 569K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $60,370, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Public safety telecommunicators
Public safety telecommunicators play a vital role in the US economy, with 105K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $50,730, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Material recording clerks
Material recording clerks play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.3 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,120, with projected growth of -6% through 2034 (Decline).
Tellers
Tellers play a vital role in the US economy, with 347K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $39,340, with projected growth of -13% through 2034 (Decline).
Receptionists
Receptionists play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.0 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $37,230, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Cashiers
Cashiers play a vital role in the US economy, with 3.2 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $31,190, with projected growth of -10% through 2034 (Decline).
Models
Models play a vital role in the US economy, with 7K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $89,990, with projected growth of -1% through 2034 (Decline).
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents play a vital role in the US economy, with 515K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $78,140, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Secretaries and administrative assistants
Secretaries and administrative assistants play a vital role in the US economy, with 3.5 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $47,460, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Desktop publishers
Desktop publishers play a vital role in the US economy, with 5K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $53,620, with projected growth of -12% through 2034 (Decline).
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.6 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $49,210, with projected growth of -6% through 2034 (Decline).
Financial clerks
Financial clerks play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.2 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,650, with projected growth of -5% through 2034 (Decline).
Travel agents
Travel agents play a vital role in the US economy, with 66K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $48,450, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Bill and account collectors
Bill and account collectors play a vital role in the US economy, with 167K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $46,040, with projected growth of -10% through 2034 (Decline).
General office clerks
General office clerks play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.6 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $43,630, with projected growth of -7% through 2034 (Decline).
Customer service representatives
Customer service representatives play a vital role in the US economy, with 2.8 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $42,830, with projected growth of -5% through 2034 (Decline).
Recommended AP Courses for Business & Consulting
These AP courses are most frequently connected to Business & Consulting careers. Taking them in high school gives you a head start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying careers in Business & Consulting?
The highest-paying Business & Consulting careers include Airline and commercial pilots ($198,100), Computer and information systems managers ($171,200), Architectural and engineering managers ($167,740). The average salary across all Business & Consulting careers on PathLeap is $81,445.
Which Business & Consulting careers are safest from AI?
The most AI-resilient Business & Consulting careers include Grounds maintenance workers (AI risk: 10/100), Janitors and building cleaners (AI risk: 10/100), AI-Powered Supply Chain Optimization Founder (AI risk: 15/100). These careers involve skills that are harder for AI to replicate.
What AP courses should I take for Business & Consulting?
The most recommended AP courses for Business & Consulting careers are AP 2-D Art and Design, AP Biology, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition. These courses build foundational skills valued in Business & Consulting.
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