Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs In Business Administration

According to statistical projections from the government of Canada, the number of Canadian job openings for administrative officers is poised to exceed the number of qualified job seekers between 2022 and 2031. For those considering post-secondary certification in the dynamic field of business administration, this is excellent news! With a favourable job outlook and a wide variety of different roles available across numerous industries, now could be the perfect moment to pivot your career, upgrade your credentials, and pursue your passion for business.

At Robertson College, our Business Administration Diploma programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and experience to enter the workforce within one year or less. But that’s only the beginning. With relevant, competitive skillsets, our graduates are well-positioned to excel and advance in their career paths. The world of business administration offers a vast array of rewarding opportunities for motivated professionals, so why not dream big and consider just how far a business administration diploma could ultimately take you? Where do you see yourself in the future and how much earning potential could you realistically expect in your dream role?

Below, we’ve taken a closer look at the top 10 highest-paying jobs in business administration as well as the median salaries that accompany them in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. To learn more about enrolling in Business Administration courses at Robertson College, get in touch with one of our Student Advisors today!

All median salary statistics below are based on information provided by Indeed Canada.

At A Glance

The top 10 highest-paying business administration jobs in Canada are:

• 1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $111,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $150,000
• 2. Financial Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $112,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $111,000
• 3. Project Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $92,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $94,000
• 4. Sales Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $94,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $85,000
• 5. Human Resources Manager 
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $85,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, Ab: $80,000
• 6. Operations Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $88,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $75,000
• 7. Marketing Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $70,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $73,000
• 8. Information Technology (IT) Manager
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $80,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $65,000
• 9. Supply Chain Manager 
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $65,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $69,000
• 10. Accountant (CPA)
  • Average annual base salary in Edmonton, AB: $66,000
  • Average annual base salary in Calgary, AB: $68,000

Please note that all average salaries have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

What Is Business Administration?

The field of business administration encompasses business operations, budgeting and finance, human resource management, marketing, project management, supply chain management, and more. Broadly speaking, it includes all of the practical, technical, and interpersonal aspects that keep a business or organization running smoothly day-to-day and growing over time.

Careers in business administration can vary widely depending on the industry they exist in as well as the size, budget, and overarching goals of the business or organization. That being said, business administration professionals across the board must be highly organized as well as able to communicate effectively, think critically, solve problems, make decisions, and take on leadership roles.

Learn more here about business administration and the types of career paths a business diploma from Robertson College can effectively prepare you for.

1. Chief Executive Officer

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a chief executive officer (CEO) in Edmonton, AB is $111,000. This is 16% below the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a chief executive officer (CEO) in Calgary, AB is $150,000. This is 13% above the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

The chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in any company. Responsible for big-picture decisions that ensure the profitability and success of the business, this individual:

• Develops and implements business strategies
• Oversees and motivates the management team
• Makes investment decisions
• Solves large-scale problems as they arise
• Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners
• Leads with vision and a high level of industry expertise

Becoming a CEO typically requires years of education and relevant work experience, but earning a Business Administration Diploma from Robertson College could represent the first step.

2. Financial Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a financial manager in Edmonton, AB is $111,000. This is 14% above the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a financial manager in Calgary, AB is $150,000. This is 8% above the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

Financial managers are the people responsible for monitoring and improving the financial health of a business or organization. Typical duties in this senior-level role include:

• Analyzing financial data
• Preparing financial reports
• Managing investments
• Developing long-term and short-term financial goals and strategies
• Overseeing and supervising junior financial and budget analysts as well as accounting and finance departments

3. Project Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a project manager in Edmonton, AB is $92,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a project manager in Calgary, AB is $94,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

A project manager plans and oversees professional projects to ensure that they are completed to the highest possible standards, on time, and within budget. While this role can vary widely depending on the industry, its core responsibilities include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing project teams
• Budgeting and implementing timelines for specific projects
• Coordinating resources
• Problem-solving and making project-related decisions
• Establishing and maintaining processes
• Building strategic relationships
• Reporting on project outcomes

4. Sales Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a sales manager in Edmonton, AB is $94,000. This is 14% above the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a sales manager in Calgary, AB is $85,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

Sales managers lead sales departments and teams in order to drive revenue for businesses. This senior-level position typically requires a combination of education and a proven history of success in sales roles. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the sales process from start to finish
• Hiring, training, and motivating sales representatives
• Setting sales goals and targets based on revenue forecasts
• Managing the sales budget
• Preparing financial reports and reporting on sales

5. Human Resources Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a human resources manager in Edmonton, AB is $85,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a human resources manager in Calgary, AB is $80,000. This is 5% below the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

Human resources (HR) manager is a senior-level leadership role in any organization. This individual oversees all personnel-related processes including recruitment and hiring, training, performance management, salary and benefits, strategic planning, employee relations, and more. In larger companies, the HR manager may also supervise other HR professionals (and teams as well as serve as a liaison between employees and upper management.

6. Operations Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for an operations manager in Edmonton, AB is $88,000. This is 7% above the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for an operations manager in Calgary, AB is $75,000. This is 8% below the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

The operations manager is the individual responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. This senior-level role involves:

• Hiring and training employees
• Managing quality assurance
• Developing processes to improve efficiency
• Communicating with employees and partners at all levels
• Tracking and reporting on budgets and finances
• Ensuring that company goals and targets are met on time and within budget
• Making decisions and solving problems as they arise

7. Marketing Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a marketing manager in Edmonton, AB is $70,000. This is 7% below the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a marketing manager in Calgary, AB is $73,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

A marketing manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing big-picture marketing strategies for an entire company or organization. More specifically, the role of marketing manager involves:

• Managing marketing team members
• Researching, planning, and implementing targeted marketing strategies
• Analyzing the success of marketing campaigns
• Collaborating with stakeholders and other departments
• Preparing, monitoring, and reporting on the marketing budget
• Managing the reputation of the brand and company

8. IT Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for an IT manager in Edmonton, AB is $80,000. This is 12% below the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for an IT manager in Calgary, AB is $65,000. This is 29% below the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

The information technology (IT) manager is the individual responsible for overseeing computer systems and other technology for a company or organization. This person typically performs the following duties:

• Hires and manages IT staff
• Manages, audits, and assesses information technology and computer systems
• Ensures data security
• Solves technology problems
• Develops and reports on the IT budget

9. Supply Chain Manager

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for a supply chain manager in Edmonton, AB is $65,000. This is 18% below the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for a supply chain manager in Calgary, AB is $69,000. This is 22% below the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

From sourcing materials to coordinating logistics, the supply chain manager is responsible for every aspect of an organization’s supply chain. Key roles and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring inventory
• Coordinating logistics
• Ensuring customer satisfaction
• Hiring and training supply chain professionals
• Preparing budgets and financial reports
• Analyzing and optimizing supply chain data
• Communicating with stakeholders

10. Accountant (CPA)

Median Salary

• The average annual base salary for an accountant in Edmonton, AB is $66,000. This is roughly the same as the Canadian national average.
• The average annual base salary for an IT manager in Calgary, AB is $68,000. This is 6% above the Canadian national average.

Job Overview

Accountants are financial professionals who are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the financial stability of a business or organization. Their job involves:

• Performing financial audits
• Preparing financial records and reports
• Preparing taxes
• Analyzing accounts and financial decisions for an organization

Kickstart your accounting career today with Robertson College’s accounting courses in Edmonton!

Educational Requirements For Business Administration

The admission requirements for entering the Robertson College School of Business vary from program to program and may be based on a combination of academic information and prior work experience. To find out more about the specific entry requirements for the program you are interested in, we invite you to connect personally with one of our supportive and knowledgeable Student Advisors.

Other Well-Paying Jobs Not On This List

Business administration professionals fill a diverse spectrum of fulfilling positions across numerous industries. In fact, the ten careers listed above only represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rewarding, well-paying jobs in this dynamic field. Wondering what other types of lucrative job opportunities a Business Administration Diploma could open up for you in the future? Here are a few examples:

• Administrative Assistant
• Financial Administrator
• Marketing Associate
• Sales Representative
• Event Manager
• Hospitality Coordinator
• Account Manager

Read our recent post on in-demand business jobs for more ideas and information about career paths in business administration.

How To Enroll

The enrollment process for Robertson College’s School of Business begins by connecting with one of our experienced Student Advisors. Contact us directly to learn more and get started today on the career transformation of your dreams!