Jobs after Doctor of Business Administration in India & Abroad
By upGrad
Updated on Oct 28, 2025 | 9 min read | 7.98K+ views
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By upGrad
Updated on Oct 28, 2025 | 9 min read | 7.98K+ views
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Did You Know? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives in the US earn a median salary of $206,420, highlighting the high earning potential for Doctor of Business Administration graduates pursuing C-suite and leadership roles abroad |
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can take your career to the next level. With this degree, you can step into C-suite leadership, build a consulting practice, or move into academia as a professor or researcher. The career after DBA degree is packed with opportunities, both in India and abroad.
In this blog, we’ll look at the most in-demand jobs after DBA degree, explore career opportunities in India and overseas, highlight high-paying roles, and discuss how specializations can shape your path.
Looking to land high-paying jobs after DBA Degee in India or abroad? upGrad's Post Doctoral Degree are designed to boost your career, open global opportunities, and fast-track you to leadership roles.
A Doctor of Business Administration opens diverse career paths across leadership, consulting, research, and teaching. Whether you want a C-suite job after DBA degree, a consulting role, or a career in academia, the degree gives you global recognition.
Below, we’ll tell you about Doctor of Business Administration jobs in India, Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad, academic roles, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Before you decide, check out upGrad’s top Online DBA programs, designed to maximize your ROI and prepare you for high-paying jobs in India and abroad.
In India, DBA graduates are highly valued for strategic leadership and research-driven decision-making. Many lands in executive, consulting, and academic roles.
Top jobs after DBA degree in India include:
Globally, DBA professionals often work in multinationals, universities, or consulting firms. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Singapore are top destinations.
Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad include:
To learn more about international career paths and scope after a DBA degree, check out scope of DBA in India & Abroad
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Yes, Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad and in India’s MNCs are in demand. Global firms hire DBA professionals for their ability to solve complex business problems using research-backed strategies.
Here are some of the leading companies hiring Doctor of Business Administration graduates:
MNC’s |
Top DBA Job Role |
Annual Salary in India |
| Deloitte | Business Strategy Consultant | INR 25.2L |
| IBM | Senior Business Manager | INR 42.4L |
| TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) | Business Transformation Consultant | INR 16.6L |
| Accenture | Management Consultant | INR 31.5L |
| Amazon | Strategy Manager | INR 28.6L |
| JP Morgan Chase | Strategic Finance Manager | INR 30.9L |
| Infosys | Solutions Consultant | INR 15.6L |
| Microsoft | Corporation Director | INR 83.7L |
Source: Ambition box
If you’re exploring Doctor of Business Administration jobs, salary is one of the biggest motivators. A DBA opens doors to senior leadership and consulting roles that offer competitive pay, both in India and globally. The doctor of business administration salary in India depends on your role, experience, and the industry you choose.
In India, DBA degree jobs often come with impressive packages, especially for those with leadership or consulting experience. On average, doctorate in business administration jobs pay between ₹15 LPA to ₹60 LPA depending on seniority.
Below is a table providing the average salary after DBA in India across various job profiles:
| Job Role | Salary Range (₹) | Notes |
| Management Analyst | ₹8-18 Lakh | Mid-career strategic roles in corporations |
| Business Consultant | ₹3-28 Lakh | Advises companies on growth and strategy |
| Senior Manager / Director | ₹28-1 Crore | Leadership roles with high responsibility |
| C-Suite Executive (CEO, CFO, COO) | up to ₹1 Crore | Top-level management roles leveraging DBA expertise |
| University Professor / Research Head | ₹4-36 Lakh | Academic and research-oriented positions |
Source: Glassdoor, Ambition box
If you’re wondering what can you do with a doctorate in business administration abroad, the opportunities are vast, and so is the pay scale. Globally, doctorate of business administration job opportunities come with six-figure salaries, especially in developed markets like the US and UK.
Country/Region |
Average (Per Year) |
| India | ₹30,00,000 |
| USA | $101,000 |
| UK | £75,000 |
| Canada | CAD 120,000 |
Source: PayScale
You can also Read: Doctor of Business Administration Salary in India
Below are some of the top job roles across various industries that you can pursue after completing your DBA degree, along with their average salary abroad.
Job Role |
US Salary (Annual) |
UK Salary (Annual) |
Canada Salary (Annual) |
| Management Consultant |
$101,196 |
£53,445 | C$86,193 |
| Business Strategy Director | $143,796 | £71,818 | C$125,077 |
| Professor/Research Leader | $94,404 | £55,000 | C$85,000 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $174,658 | £72,292 | C$150,624 |
Source: PayScale
Below given are the top factors that impact DBA job opportunities
The world of business is rapidly evolving, and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates are finding exciting opportunities in new-age fields that combine strategy, technology, and leadership. Here are some of the most promising areas to explore:
Below are the top skills that help Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates stand out in today’s competitive job market:
Choosing the right Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a big step toward unlocking top career opportunities and higher salaries. A well-structured DBA helps you develop leadership, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills that open doors to senior roles in corporate, consulting, and academia.
At upGrad, you get access to globally accredited DBA programs that include all these factors, world-class faculty, strong industry ties, global exposure, and flexible online formats.
With upGrad’s Online Doctor of Business Administration programs, you don’t just earn a degree; you gain access to world-class faculty, global networking opportunities, and industry-aligned research projects. Whether your goal is to advance into C-suite leadership, transition into academia, or establish an international consulting career, upGrad offers the right mentorship, career guidance, and placement support to help you succeed, both in India and abroad.
Looking to explore high-paying jobs after DBA Degee in India or abroad? Book a free counseling session with upGrad and discover the right DBA program that maximizes your ROI and career growth.
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Yes, one of the most popular career opportunities after a Doctor of Business Administration is in academia. Universities value DBA graduates for their ability to blend practical business insights with research.
Possible roles:
DBA graduates often choose consulting jobs after a Doctor of Business Administration or start their own ventures. Their skills in problem-solving, analytics, and leadership make them trusted advisors and entrepreneurs.
Consulting roles:
Entrepreneurship opportunities:
Below are the top C-Suite roles available after a dba degree
C-suite Role |
Focus Area |
Why a DBA Helps |
| CEO | Strategy & Vision | Research-based decision-making |
| CFO | Finance & Risk | Data-driven financial planning |
| COO | Operations | Process optimization & leadership |
| CSO | Growth Strategy | Market analysis & forecasting |
High-paying sectors include management consulting, banking and finance, information technology, and healthcare. These industries frequently hire DBA graduates for senior leadership and decision-making roles with lucrative compensation packages.
Yes, a DBA is often a steppingstone to CEO or executive leadership because it blends academic depth with real-world application. While an MBA is more about management practice, a DBA adds research-backed leadership strategies-ideal for top positions.
Top reasons why a DBA fits CEO-level roles:
DBA professionals are in high demand for executive, consulting, and academic roles. Globally, organizations value their ability to solve complex business problems using research-backed strategies, making the career scope strong in both India and abroad.
Yes, a DBA equips professionals with leadership and analytical skills that fast-track promotions to senior management and C-suite positions. Employers recognize the degree as a marker of strategic thinking and decision-making capability.
While MNCs and large firms hire DBA graduates for leadership roles, startups, SMEs, and family businesses also benefit from their strategic and consulting expertise. Entrepreneurship is also a common path.
Unlike an MBA, which focuses on managerial skills, a DBA emphasizes research-driven decision-making and strategic leadership. This makes DBA graduates eligible for C-suite jobs, consulting, and high-level academia, giving broader career opportunities.
You should choose programs with dedicated career services, active alumni networks, and structured mentorship opportunities. Look for options that include research projects, industry collaborations, or networking events, as these elements strengthen placement support and overall professional growth.
Most professionals see a notable salary jump within 2-3 years post-completion, especially when moving into leadership or consulting roles. Top performers in C-suite roles can achieve high-paying jobs after Doctor of Business Administration within 5 years.
Yes. Many DBA graduates take up consulting roles because their research skills and strategic expertise make them highly valuable advisors. Consulting jobs after Doctor of Business Administration are available in strategy, management, and financial consulting.
Yes, DBA graduates can work in government agencies, think tanks, and policy advisory roles. Their research and strategic skills help in shaping business policies and organizational reforms at a national or international level.
Yes. While most executive and consulting opportunities are concentrated in metro hubs, industries like manufacturing, IT, and finance in Tier 2 cities also hire DBA professionals for leadership and strategy roles.
Banking & finance, technology, healthcare, and management consulting sectors actively hire DBA graduates. These industries offer a mix of high-paying jobs, C-suite roles, and consulting opportunities.
Research is at the core of a DBA, helping professionals analyze complex business problems and provide actionable solutions. This skill differentiates DBA graduates from MBA holders in leadership and consulting roles.
Yes. The degree build professionals with skills in strategy, analytics, and leadership, enabling career switches into consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, or executive roles in a new industry.
Most high-paying jobs after DBA Degee require 5-10 years of relevant experience in management, consulting, or strategic leadership. Your prior work experience plays a key role in determining your salary and the pace of career advancement.
DBA graduates abroad can earn between $90,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on the role and industry. Leadership positions, consulting, and executive management roles often pay even higher, making international DBA programs highly attractive.
Salaries for DBA graduates in developing countries like India are generally lower than in developed markets due to economic factors. However, Indian salaries are steadily increasing, while countries like the US, UK, and Canada offer higher pay, broader career opportunities, and global recognition.
References:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Degree=Doctor_of_Philosophy_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Management/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/deloitte-salaries/strategy-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/ibm-salaries/senior-business-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/tcs-salaries/business-transformation-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/accenture-salaries/management-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/amazon-salaries/strategy-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/infosys-salaries/solution-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/microsoft-corporation-salaries/director
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Strategy/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Business_Director/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Director_of_Strategy/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Professor%2C_Postsecondary_%2F_Higher_Education/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Research_Assistant_Professor/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Research_Assistant_Professor/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
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