9 Best Business Jobs to Consider in 2026

Whether you're beginning your career, changing professions, or preparing for leadership opportunities, a business degree can open doors across nearly every industry, from technology and healthcare to marketing and finance.

Here is a look at some of the fastest growing business professions in 2026 and how you can get started building your career. Business skills apply across nearly every industry, and right now there are two themes that connect almost all of them: data and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing how work gets done. Today's employers increasingly seek graduates who can combine business knowledge with data literacy, strategic thinking, communication, and the ability to work effectively alongside AI-powered technologies.

What makes a business job worth considering in 2026?

A few things set the careers on our list apart: steady or fast projected job growth, the flexibility to work across many industries, skills that build on data and technology, and professions that offer a high income. For this list, we focused on major business roles where the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth through 2034. Keep in mind that growth projections describe each field as a whole; they aren't a promise about any person's career development.

1. Accountant

Accountants are vital to the success of any business and enjoy excellent job security as a result. The BLS projects employment of accountants and auditors will grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 124,200 openings each year, on average, over the decade. * The BLS also notes that as AI and automation handle more routine tasks, accountants' analytical and advisory work is expected to become more prominent and not less needed. As routine accounting tasks become increasingly automated, employers place even greater value on professionals who can interpret financial information, solve complex business problems, and provide strategic guidance.

As an accountant, you can pursue different career specialties depending on your skills and interests. For example, public accountants typically work for accounting firms, performing audits, preparing taxes, and providing consulting for individuals, corporations, and government organizations. They also handle corporate taxes to ensure corporations are adhering to compliance regulations. Internal or management accountants perform these activities for their employer and are also involved in analyzing financial data and strategic planning.

To become an accountant, you need strong mathematical skills and attention to detail. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting, but you can also gain experience as a bookkeeper if you have an associate degree. This is a good option if you want to get into the workforce faster, but you'll likely have to continue your education if you want to advance your accounting career.

2. Market Research Analyst

The BLS projects employment of market research analysts to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. * As a market research analyst, you'll study consumers' buying habits to help businesses make more strategic decisions about how they market their products and services. Market research analysts can work for marketing agencies, research companies, colleges, corporations, and even government agencies.

You can become a market research analyst by earning your bachelor's degree in marketing, business analytics, or a related field.

3. HR Specialist

Human resources (HR) professionals help organizations manage their greatest assets – their people. The BLS projects employment of HR specialists to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 81,800 openings each year, on average, over the decade. * As an HR specialist, you can gain experience in basic HR practices, such as administering payroll and benefits, employee relations, recruiting and training. Successful HR professionals combine communication, leadership, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills with an understanding of HR technology and workforce analytics.

To begin your human resources career, you'll need either an associate or bachelor's degree in human resources. Certain specialties or employers may require a master's degree. Certification is also highly desirable by employers, and most upper-level human resource professionals have at least one certification.

4. Financial Analyst

If you're a person who enjoys working with numbers and likes analyzing trends over time, you might enjoy a career as a financial analyst. Financial analysts help their clients make decisions about when to buy and sell investments and advise on economic trends and company strategy. The BLS projects employment of financial and investment analysts to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average.* Most professionals in this field work for financial services and insurance companies.

To begin a career in finance, you'd need to earn a bachelor's degree in business management or finance. Many financial analysts go on to earn a master's degree in business administration and pursue additional specialized certifications. Employers increasingly value analysts who can use business intelligence tools, interpret data, and communicate financial insights to support strategic decision-making.

5. Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to inform strategic decision making, and they often have advanced degrees or a background in computer science, math, statistics or economics. It's one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country: the BLS projects employment of data scientists to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. * Much of that demand is tied to the rise of AI: organizations need people who can build models and make sense of the data behind them. Their skills can be applied to a number of different industries, including finance, public safety, healthcare, and government.

Earning a bachelor's degree in business analytics is a good way to jumpstart your career as a data scientist. Pursuing graduate-level education, such as an MBA, can help you advance to leadership and management roles. Many data scientists also specialize within a particular business function, such as finance or marketing, using data to support decision-making.

6. Project Manager

Every business needs effective project managers to oversee teams, assignments, deliverables, and deadlines. The BLS projects employment of project management specialists to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 78,200 openings each year, on average, over the decade.* With a bachelor of science in project management, you can pursue entry-level roles in a variety of different industries and environments, from information technology to construction.

With experience, project managers can advance to upper-management positions, such as general manager, department manager, team leader, operations manager, and more. Many project managers also choose to specialize within one industry, and may pursue industry-specific project management certifications, such as the CompTIA Project+ to further differentiate themselves in the workforce. 

7. Financial Manager

Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for an organization's long-term financial goals. The BLS projects employment of financial managers to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 74,600 openings each year, on average, over the decade.* This role usually calls for a bachelor's degree plus several years of experience in a related occupation, such as accountant or financial analyst.

How to prepare at Herzing: A bachelor's degree in finance can help you build a foundation, and a master's degree in finance or an MBA can help you develop skills for more advanced roles.

8. Management Consultant

Management consultants or management analysts help businesses find ways to improve efficiencies and cut costs. The BLS projects employment of management analysts to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. * Some management consultants work on a contractual basis and can be self-employed, while others work for large consulting firms. They can also specialize in certain industries, such as human resources or healthcare. To become a management consultant, you need a strong business background and exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. A bachelor's degree in business management can help you prepare for a career in this growing field. Employers also value consultants who can analyze data, communicate recommendations clearly, and lead organizational change initiatives.

9. Healthcare Manager

Healthcare organizations have a growing need for competent and capable leaders to oversee health and patient services. Healthcare managers understand the business of healthcare and are instrumental in helping hospitals, small practices, insurance companies and a variety of other institutions navigate the changing healthcare environment. The BLS projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 62,100 openings each year, on average, over the decade. *

Enrolling in a healthcare administration online bachelor degree program will help you gain the business skills you need to succeed in a management role in the healthcare field, and earning an MBA can open the door to more advanced leadership roles.

Some students choose to enroll in a bachelor's program after completing a certificate, diploma or associate program in a healthcare discipline, such as medical assisting.

How to choose the right business degree for your goal

Not sure where to start? Your career interests, strengths, and long-term professional goals can help determine which business program is the best fit. This quick guide connects common career interests to a business program. Examine our table below to see how your interests and professional goals line up with the programs we offer. 

Where an MBA fits in

For many of the careers on this list, a bachelor's degree is the typical starting point, but a graduate degree can help you prepare for leadership and management roles. If you're comparing business schools, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most flexible ways to establish a business background.

At Herzing, you can choose from two MBA programs: a leadership-focused Master of Business Administration and an MBA in Business Analytics. Both can be earned online or on campus in as few as 12 months; both require no GMAT or GRE to apply, and both include coursework on applying AI tools in business operations. Current RNs can also combine the MBA with the online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration through Herzing's Dual MSN-NLA/MBA pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can you do with a business degree?

A business degree can prepare you for various titles across many industries, including accounting, finance, data and business analytics, marketing, human resources, project management and healthcare administration. Because business skills apply almost everywhere, graduates can pursue paths in technology, healthcare, finance, marketing, and more. Business graduates are also valued because they develop transferable skills, including leadership, communication, analytical thinking, and strategic decision-making—that apply across many industries.

Which business jobs are growing the fastest?

Among business-related careers, the BLS projects some of the fastest growth for data scientists (34 percent from 2024 to 2034) and medical and health services managers (23 percent), followed by financial managers (15 percent). All three are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Do you need a bachelor's degree for a business career?

For most of the professions on this list, the BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education. Some paths can begin with an associate degree, for example, business management or healthcare administration, where you can continue your education later. Requirements vary by employer and position.

What business programs does Herzing University offer?

Herzing offers business programs in accounting, business analytics, business management, finance, human resource management, marketing and project management, along with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Programs are available at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels, depending on the field.

Will AI replace business jobs?

AI is transforming many business roles rather than replacing them entirely. The BLS notes that automation handles routine tasks, work that relies on analysis, judgment and communication, such as an accountant's advisory role, is expected to become more prominent. Building data literacy through a business education can help you prepare to work with these tools and streamline efficiency.

Can you earn an MBA without the GMAT?

Yes. Herzing's MBA does not require the GMAT or GRE for admission. The program is designed to keep the admissions process straightforward, with full-time or part-time enrollment options.