Top Companies & Industries Hiring Doctor of Business Administration Professionals in 2025
By upGrad
Updated on Sep 30, 2025 | 5 min read | 1.3K+ views
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By upGrad
Updated on Sep 30, 2025 | 5 min read | 1.3K+ views
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Latest Update: According to Lightcast data, the demand for doctoral-level business professionals is expected to grow by nearly 12.5% over the next decade, making a Doctor of Business Administration a high-ROI investment for long-term career growth. |
The role of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) professional has evolved significantly in recent years. In 2025, companies ranging from multinational corporations and consulting firms to technology giants, healthcare organizations, and high-growth startups are actively seeking DBA graduates to drive business transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth.
With organizations increasingly relying on strategic management, data-driven decision-making, and research-backed solutions, the demand for highly qualified DBA professionals is rising across industries.
This blog will guide you through the top industries hiring DBA professionals, the companies offering lucrative opportunities, the skills in demand, and career trends that can help you leverage your Doctorate of Business Administration for maximum professional impact. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of where DBA qualifications can take your career and which sectors are most promising for your expertise.
At upGrad, we offer some of the top Doctorate of Business Administration courses that are designed to help professionals like you get into the leadership roles and boost your career growth.
The demand for DBA professionals is growing across multiple industries, with organizations looking for expertise in strategic management, research-backed decision-making, and leadership. Below are the key sectors actively hiring DBA graduates in 2025.
Management consulting firms and advisory services are among the top employers of DBA professionals. These organizations rely on experienced leaders who can analyze complex business problems, design strategic solutions, and drive organizational transformation.
Company Name |
Key Roles for DBA Professionals |
Salary Range (INR ) |
Locations |
McKinsey & Company | Strategy Consultant, Senior Analyst | ₹8–33 LPA | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru |
BCG | Business Advisor, Principal Consultant | ₹14–42 LPA | Mumbai, Gurgaon |
Bain & Company | Strategy Consultant, Transformation Manager | ₹11–45 LPA | Mumbai, Bengaluru |
Deloitte Consulting | Business Advisor, Strategy Lead | ₹13-74 LPA | Major Indian metros |
EY Advisory | Senior Analyst, Corporate Strategy Lead | ₹20–38 LPA | Mumbai, Delhi |
Salary source: AmbitionBox
Here are some of our top Doctor of Business Administration courses you can explore to start your DBA journey:
The financial sector is rapidly evolving, with banks, investment firms, and fintech companies seeking DBA professionals to lead strategy, risk management, and innovation initiatives. As organizations navigate complex regulatory environments and market dynamics, DBA graduates are increasingly valued for their ability to combine research-driven insights with practical business strategies.
Company Name |
Key Roles for DBA Professionals |
Salary Range (INR) |
Locations (India) |
HDFC Bank | Risk Manager, Financial Strategist | ₹2-17 LPA | Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi |
ICICI Bank | Policy Advisor, Business Analyst | ₹3.5-2.11 LPA | Mumbai, Gurugram, Pune |
Axis Bank | Financial Strategist, Risk Manager | ₹6.7- 50 LPA | Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai |
Kotak Mahindra Bank | Strategy Lead, Compliance Analyst | ₹8–35 LPA | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru |
Razorpay | Fintech Strategy Lead, Analytics Manager | ₹7–45 LPA | Bengaluru |
Paytm | Business Strategy Manager | ₹7–42 LPA | Noida, Bengaluru |
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Also Read: DBA Degree Eligibility in Top Universities
The technology and IT services sector is experiencing rapid growth, and companies are increasingly seeking DBA professionals to lead strategic initiatives, business analytics, and digital transformation projects. DBA graduates bring advanced research skills and strategic thinking, making them valuable for roles that bridge technology and business leadership.
Company Name |
Key Roles for DBA Professionals |
Salary Range (INR) |
Locations (India) |
TCS | Strategy Manager, Business Analytics Lead | ₹25–45 LPA | Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune |
Infosys | Corporate Strategy Lead, Analytics Manager | ₹24–42 LPA | Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
Wipro | Strategy Manager, Business Analytics Lead | ₹22–40 LPA | Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune |
HCL Technologies | Chief Strategy Officer, Business Insights Lead | ₹28–50 LPA | Noida, Bengaluru |
Tech Mahindra | Strategic Planning Manager, Operations Strategist | ₹23–42 LPA | Pune, Bengaluru |
Google India | Business Strategy Lead, Analytics Lead | ₹35–60 LPA | Bengaluru |
Microsoft India | Strategy Manager, Operations Lead | ₹30–55 LPA | Hyderabad, Bengaluru |
Amazon India | Corporate Strategy Manager, Business Analytics Lead | ₹32–58 LPA | Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
IBM India | Technology Strategy Lead, Corporate Strategy Manager | ₹28–50 LPA | Bengaluru, Pune |
Flipkart | Strategy Lead, Operations Analytics Manager | ₹30–55 LPA | Bengaluru |
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
The manufacturing and supply chain sector is increasingly hiring DBA professionals to optimize operations, enhance supply chain efficiency, and drive strategic growth. Organizations seek individuals who can apply research-driven insights to production planning, logistics, and organizational transformation.
Company |
Key Roles |
Locations |
Tata Steel | Supply Chain Director, Operations Strategist | Jamshedpur, Mumbai |
Larsen & Toubro | Strategic Planning Manager, Project Manager | Mumbai, Bengaluru |
Mahindra & Mahindra | Manufacturing Strategy Lead, Business Analytics Manager | Pune, Chennai |
Reliance Industries | Operations Strategist, Supply Chain Lead | Mumbai, Jamnagar |
Bosch India | Strategic Operations Manager, Process Improvement Lead | Bengaluru, Pune |
Hindustan Unilever | Supply Chain Strategy Manager, Business Planning Lead | Mumbai, Pune |
Related Article: Top DBA Specializations in 2025
The education sector is actively recruiting DBA professionals to enhance academic leadership, research capabilities, and curriculum development. Universities, business schools, and edtech companies value DBA graduates for their ability to integrate advanced research with practical business insights, improving both teaching and organizational strategy.
Company / Institution |
Key Roles for DBA Professionals |
Locations |
Indian School of Business (ISB) | Faculty, Research Director | Hyderabad, Mohali |
XLRI Jamshedpur | Curriculum Strategist, Faculty | Jamshedpur |
IIM Ahmedabad | Research Lead, Academic Strategy | Ahmedabad |
upGrad | Program Director, Curriculum Development | Bengaluru |
Symbiosis International University | Faculty, Academic Planner | Pune |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Research and Strategy Lead | Manipal |
Must Read: Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Eligibility
Government agencies and public policy organizations are increasingly hiring DBA professionals to support strategy development, policy advisory, and economic planning. DBA graduates bring research-driven insights and strategic expertise, making them valuable for designing programs, analyzing policy impacts, and guiding large-scale organizational decisions.
Company / Organization |
Key Roles for DBA Professionals |
Locations |
NITI Aayog | Policy Analyst, Strategic Planning Lead | New Delhi |
Reserve Bank of India | Economic Strategist, Policy Advisor | Mumbai, Delhi |
Ministry of Finance | Policy Development, Strategic Analyst | New Delhi |
Planning Commission | Economic Planning Lead, Research Analyst | New Delhi |
World Bank India | Policy Strategy, Economic Research | New Delhi |
UNDP India | Strategy & Policy Advisor | New Delhi |
Also Read: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Roles and Responsibilities
Companies hiring DBA professionals in 2025 prioritize a combination of strategic, analytical, and industry-specific competencies. These skills enable DBA graduates to lead organizations, make data-driven decisions, and implement research-backed strategies effectively.
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DBA professionals are among the highest-paid management experts due to their advanced research, strategic, and leadership capabilities. Salaries vary depending on the industry, role, experience, and organizational size.
Industry / Sector |
Entry-Level (₹ LPA) |
Mid-Level (₹ LPA) |
Senior-Level (₹ LPA) |
Key Roles |
Consulting & Advisory | 25–35 | 35–50 | 50–70 | Strategy Consultant, Senior Analyst |
Finance & Banking | 22–32 | 32–45 | 45–65 | Risk Manager, Financial Strategist |
Technology & IT Services | 25–38 | 38–50 | 50–70 | Chief Strategy Officer, Analytics Lead |
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | 20–30 | 30–45 | 45–60 | Strategy Consultant, Operations Head |
Manufacturing & Supply Chain | 20–28 | 28–42 | 42–60 | Operations Strategist, Supply Chain Director |
Education & Academic Institutions | 15–25 | 25–35 | 35–50 | Faculty, Research Director |
Government & Public Policy | 18–28 | 28–40 | 40–55 | Policy Analyst, Economic Strategist |
Source: AmbionBox
Related Article: Salary of DBA Graduates in 2025
The demand for DBA professionals is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the need for strategic leadership, research-backed decision-making, and data-driven insights across industries.
Key Growth Areas:
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Yes, DBA jobs are still in demand because every business needs to manage and secure its data. With more companies moving to the cloud, skilled DBAs are required to handle migrations, performance tuning, and security. The demand is expected to grow as data becomes the backbone of decision-making.
Cloud DBAs and those with expertise in Oracle, SQL Server, or NoSQL databases tend to earn the highest salaries. Senior DBAs, database architects, and database security specialists are also well-compensated because they handle critical business systems.
Being a DBA can be challenging because it involves troubleshooting, performance tuning, and ensuring data security. However, once you gain experience and learn automation tools, the job becomes easier to handle. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant.
Yes, it can be stressful at times because DBAs are responsible for database uptime and data safety. Any downtime can affect business operations, so quick problem-solving is important. Good planning, monitoring tools, and automation can reduce stress.
Yes, DBA is a good career in India with opportunities across IT companies, startups, and large enterprises. The rise of cloud adoption, e-commerce, and fintech has increased the need for skilled DBAs. Salaries are competitive, especially for those with certifications.
Yes, database administration is a core IT job because it deals with managing data systems, servers, and software. DBAs work with developers, system administrators, and analysts to ensure smooth data operations.
The future of DBA is shifting toward automation and cloud-based database management. DBAs will spend less time on routine tasks and more on strategic roles like database design, security, and data governance.
Yes, certifications like Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, or AWS Database Specialty help boost your profile. They validate your skills and increase your chances of getting higher-paying roles or promotions.
Yes, many DBA roles are now remote-friendly because most database work can be done through secure remote connections. Remote DBAs handle monitoring, troubleshooting, and upgrades from anywhere.
After completing a DBA course, freshers can expect entry-level salaries ranging from ₹3-6 LPA in India. With 3-5 years of experience, salaries can grow significantly, especially in MNCs or cloud-related DBA roles.
At Accenture, DBAs manage enterprise databases, optimize performance, and support large-scale projects. They may also work on cloud migration, automation, and integration with business applications.
Each has a different focus. DBA handles database administration, DE focuses on building data pipelines, and PH (or data scientist) analyzes data. If you like infrastructure and performance tuning, DBA is a great choice.
AI will automate some routine tasks like indexing, backups, and monitoring, but DBAs will still be needed for complex problem-solving. Future DBAs will focus more on strategy, security, and data architecture.
DBAs can move into roles like database architect, cloud database engineer, data engineer, or IT manager. With experience, they can also transition into leadership positions like CTO or technology consultant.
Yes, DBAs with SQL expertise can transition into data analyst roles by learning data visualization, analytics, and BI tools. This career switch is common because DBAs already work with data on a daily basis.
After a DBA role, the next level is usually Senior DBA, then Database Architect or Database Manager. These roles focus on design, planning, and decision-making rather than daily operational tasks.
Oracle DBA roles can be demanding because they often support mission-critical systems. They require quick responses to outages and performance issues. Proper planning and monitoring tools can make the job more manageable.
Doctor of Business Administration jobs requires both research and leadership at their work. For example Research Directors focus on studies, while leadership roles like Managing Director handle decision-making. Both paths are highly valued in companies and industries hiring Doctor of Business Administration professionals.
The public sector is also among the industries hiring Doctor of Business Administration professionals. Some of the common job roles include Policy Analyst and Research Director, with annual ranging from INR 15L to INR 25 L in India.
While both the degrees are doctorates, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) salaries are usually higher because of the companies and industries hiring Doctor of Business Administration professionals generally focus on applied leadership. A CFO with a Doctor of Business Administration degree can earn between INR 50L – INR 80 LPA, while PhDs holders usually stay in academic fields.
References:
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.ambitionbox.com/salaries/kpmg-india-salaries/senior-management-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/ernst-young-salaries/business-advisory-services-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/pwc-salaries/risk-consultant?experience=5
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/bcg-salaries/strategy-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/tech-mahindra-salaries/vice-president
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/wipro-salaries/operations-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/hcl-technologies-salaries/transformation-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/tech-mahindra-salaries/strategy-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/senior-hospital-admin-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/director-clinical-operations-salary
https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/health-policy-research-analyst/india
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/senior-healthcare-consultant-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/chief-executive-officer-ceo-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cto-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/technology-strategy-consultant-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/director-risk-management-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/icici-bank-salaries/senior-vice-president
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/axis-bank-salaries/strategy-consultant
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