A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced professional degree for experienced business professionals, focusing on research and practical business management.
If you are considering pursuing a DBA, you may wonder whether the investment pays off and how much salary you can expect. A DBA can lead to lucrative executive positions, specialised consulting roles, and several academic opportunities, making it a decisive step for advancing your career.
In this article, we discuss the salary, top opportunities, and long-term earning potential after completing a Doctor of Business Administration program.
Doctor of Business Administration Salary Trends in Singapore: Roles & Growth
A DBA can be a powerful qualification for professionals aiming for top-tier leadership roles in Singapore. Here’s a look at the role-wise and industry-wise salaries that DBA degree holders can expect:
Salary of DBA Professionals Based on Job Role:
Salaries for DBA professionals in Singapore vary widely depending on the job roles and industry. Here’s a quick look at how much you can earn in different positions after completing a DBA:
| Job Position | Average Annual Salary |
| Business Consultant | SGD 53,928 |
| Entrepreneur / Founder | SGD 70,511 |
| Policy Advisor | SGD 113,749 |
| Director of Strategy | SGD 224,226 |
| Business School Professor | SGD 232,350 |
| Management Consultant | SGD 80,795 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | SGD 300,173 |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | SGD 170,004 |
Also Read: Career Paths in Singapore After Your DBA Degree
Experience-wise Salary of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduates
In Singapore, DBA graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their level of experience. Fresh graduates with up to 3 years of experience typically earn between SGD 40,000 and SGD 80,000 per year. Mid-level professionals with 4 to 9 years of experience may earn up to SGD 120,000 or more per annum. Similarly, professionals with 10 or more years of experience in senior roles can expect salaries ranging from SGD 180,000 to SGD 250,000 or more. However, these figures may vary depending on the industry, job role, and level of responsibility, among other factors.
Industry-wise Salary of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduates
DBA graduates in Singapore can explore opportunities across various industries, each offering different salary ranges. Here’s how compensation typically varies by sector in top industries for professionals with a DBA:
| Industries | Salary Range per Annum (Approx.) |
| Consulting | SGD 76,039 – SGD 81,132 |
| Education sector | SGD 54,000 – SGD 80,795 |
| Finance | SGD 63,696 – SGD 120,000 |
| Healthcare | SGD 45,000 – SGD 81,449 |
| Technology | SGD 88,680 – SGD 119,874 |
| Government sector | SGD 63,000 – SGD 182,700 |
| Entrepreneurship | SGD 70,511 – SGD 155,092 |
Growth Potential for Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduates in Singapore
In Singapore, DBA graduates can earn competitive salaries with significant career advancement opportunities. They can enjoy senior roles such as C-suite executives, consulting, leadership and management, higher positions in the research and academic sector, entrepreneurship, and other roles.
DBA provides a competitive edge to professionals, boosting their leadership effectiveness and potentially leading to new career pathways. A DBA can support professionals to transition into new fields beyond traditional corporate structures. Many DBA programs in Singapore offer networking opportunities through industry leaders, which can be valuable for their career advancements.
Also Read: How to Choose a DBA Research Topic That Adds Real Business Value?
Factors That Influence DBA Salaries Globally and in Singapore
Here are some factors that affect the salary of DBA professionals both globally and in Singapore:
- Industry: The finance, technology, and consulting industries typically offer higher pay due to the greater demand for strategic leadership positions. Healthcare is another emerging sector offering higher average salaries compared to other domains.
- Experience: DBA graduates with work experience often get higher starting salaries than fresh graduates. Building years of expertise in a specific industry or role can significantly increase their earning potential.
- Reputation of the program: Graduating from a well-ranked, globally recognised DBA program can also enhance the credibility and salary prospects of these professionals.
- Skills and Specialisations: Expertise in emerging areas, such as data analytics or strategic management, can lead to better-paying roles.
Also Read: DBA Research vs. PhD Research: What’s the Difference?
How upGrad’s Global DBA Program Sets You Up for Long-Term Success
A DBA is the most advanced degree in Business Administration, designed for those looking to deepen their research and leadership expertise. The online DBA programs offered through upGrad, in collaboration with some of the world’s top Business Schools and universities are designed for working professionals aiming to advance their careers without putting them on hold. These programs offer complete flexibility in learning, global faculty, industry-focused research, and access to a robust alumni network to support learners as they step into senior leadership positions.
Explore upGrad Singapore’s DBA offerings that are tailored for experienced professionals:
- Doctor of Business Administration – Golden Gate University
- Doctor in Business Administration – Edgewood College
- Dual Degree MBA and DBA – Edgewood College
- Doctor of Business Administration – ESGCI
- Doctor of Business Administration – Rushford Business School
- DBA in Emerging Technologies with a concentration in Generative AI, Golden Gate University.
🎓 Explore Our Top-Rated Courses in Singapore
Take the next step in your career with industry-relevant online courses designed for working professionals in Singapore.
FAQs on Salary Expectations After Completing a DBA
Q: What is the average salary after a DBA in Singapore?
Ans: The estimated average salary for a Management Consultant with a Doctor of Business Administration is SGD 6,800 per month in the Singapore area. However, with experience, a DBA professional can expect higher salaries.
Q: Which industries offer the highest salaries for DBA graduates?
Ans: The consulting, education, Finance, Healthcare, Technology, and government sectors are some industries that pay the highest salaries to DBAs.
Q: How much does experience influence DBA salary in Singapore?
Ans: In Singapore, the salary of a Doctor of Business Administration graduate is heavily influenced by experience. Generally, as experience increases, so does the salary. Moreover, since DBA professionals already have years of experience and educational qualifications, they are paid competitively in Singapore and worldwide.
Q: Do Singaporean employers and universities recognise a DBA?
Ans: Yes, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is recognised by employers and universities in Singapore, particularly for candidates seeking to advance to senior leadership roles or pursue research-focused careers.
Q: Does upGrad offer placement support for DBA candidates?
Ans: Yes, upGrad offers placement support for DBA candidates through career counseling, interview preparation, and placement assistance. They also provide networking opportunities and career coaching to DBA candidates.
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