Pursuing a business school degree is a significant financial investment, but the MBA ROI can be substantial—find out what salary could earn after an MBA in Europe
Whether you’re drawn to London’s financial district, Milan’s luxury and fashion sector, or Berlin’s booming startup scene, the career outcomes from an MBA in Europe are endless.
Home to three of the top five MBA programs in the world according to the Financial Times, high quality business schools in Europe offer a more competitive price point than many top US business schools.
But what kind of salary can you expect after earning your MBA in Europe?
To help you plan your next steps, we’ve researched the schools and industries in Europe that offer the highest earning potential for MBA graduates.
Top business schools in Europe for high-earning potential
Graduates from SDA Bocconi’s MBA program, located in Milan, earn an average salary of $217,241 within three years of graduation—the tenth highest post-MBA salary in the world.
Among the most recent graduating class*, financial services (16%) and consulting (14%) were the most popular career paths, though many also entered consumer products (13%) and the fashion, design, and luxury industries (10%)—key sectors in Milan’s economy.
Bocconi also tops the global top 10 for employment, with 91% of graduates landing a job within three months—outpacing even Wharton and Columbia.
2. London Business School, UK
Average salary within three years: $214,823
Global ranking: 7
Situated in the heart of one of the world’s leading financial centers, London Business School offers close access to top employers in finance and consulting.
It’s no surprise then that in the class of 2024, comprised of 94% international students, 45% have chosen to start their post-MBA careers in the UK.
Consulting is the most popular career path for MBA grads, with 42% entering the field. Another 26% have pursued careers in financial services, while 21% moved into technology.
With campuses in France and Singapore, INSEAD is renowned for its international student body—97% of the MBA class is international, with students from 75 nationalities.
Management consulting remains a dominant career path for MBA grads. In the class of 2024, 34% of grads secured roles in this sector. Top employers include the Big Three consulting firms—McKinsey and Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain and Company.
For grads seeking entrepreneurial ventures, INSEAD ranks as the best MBA program in Europe for entrepreneurs. Approximately 73% of INSEAD alumni pursue entrepreneurship, of which 89% are MBA graduates.
Also located in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Esade Business School offers a flexible MBA program that can be completed in 12, 15, or 18 months, depending on whether you choose to complete an internship and exchange program.
An impressive 97% of Esade graduates change their job function, industry, or location, while 40% achieve the infamous full triple jump, switching all three.
5. IESE Business School, Spain
Average salary within three years: $198,584
Global ranking: 3
At IESE Business School, the option to complete a bilingual MBA in Barcelona means that graduates emerge with professional fluency in both English and Spanish.
Almost half of the graduates chose to remain in Europe, with 22% staying in Spain and an additional 25% securing positions elsewhere on the continent.
Nearly half (47%) of recent grads entered consulting, while 18% moved into finance, and 14% took on marketing and sales roles.
While average salaries for MBA graduates in Europe can be higher in certain countries, they vary significantly depending on the country, industry, and cost of living.
For instance, MBA graduates in London may command higher salaries in finance and consulting than their counterparts in other European cities, but the higher cost of living and taxation in the UK may offset some of these earnings.
In contrast, cities such as Barcelona offer a lower cost of living, making the MBA ROI for graduates from IESE and Esade even more attractive.
Top industries for MBA graduates in Europe
1. Consulting
Consulting remains a top choice for MBA graduates, offering high salaries and the opportunity to work on challenging projects across various industries.
IESE Business School stands out as the top European business school for earning potential in consulting, according to Bloomberg, with recent grads taking home median salaries of $139,151.
MBA graduates from SDA Bocconi earn median salaries of $137,972, followed closely by INSEAD at $134,775.
2. Finance
Finance is another strong sector for MBA graduates, with opportunities in investment banking, private equity, and investment management.
SDA Bocconi ranks as the top European school for earning potential in finance, with recent graduates earning median salaries of $155,051. London Business School and IMD follow with median salaries of $134,690 and $120,830, respectively.
3. Technology
The tech sector is one of the most desirable industry for MBA graduates.
Once again, SDA Bocconi is the leading European institution for MBA graduates entering the field, and second best in the world, with grads earning a median salary of around $174,134. Grads from St.Gallen landed salaries of $130,177, while INSEAD graduates went on to earn around $123,802.
Bocconi grads are once again the highest-earners in this sector among European schools, and third globally, taking home median salaries of $144,317. IMD follows closely at $143,004, while INSEAD graduates earn around $119,628.
5. Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, opportunities lie in areas such as supply chain and logistics management, and product management.
Graduates from SDA Bocconi take home the highest salaries in Europe, earning around $135,796, followed by St.Gallen and INSEAD, earning $127,179 and $113,903 respectively.
Earning an MBA from a top European business school can be a game-changer, opening doors to high-paying careers and global networks. Whether you’re aiming for a high-flying role in finance, or growing your network as a consultant, an MBA in Europe can give you the education and connections you need to succeed.
*SDA Bocconi has not yet published Class of 2024 data. Employment data refers to the Class of 2023
