- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best database administration doctoral degree programs reveals that database administration PhD graduates in industry research earn $9,9 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $130,000,9-$9,9.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are Cornell University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University—selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You should not pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of database administration PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research); 40% pursue academic careers.
Source: A database administration PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Database Administration PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in database administration—required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators with advanced degrees can earn $160,890 or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for cutting-edge research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of database administration
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in database administration
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Database Administration PhD Programs - Top 10
Cornell University
Cornell CS pioneers programming languages and formal methods with Cornell Tech in NYC.
Cornell University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #1 in database administration degree program.
Cornell University's Database Administration program graduates 7 students annually with a 95% graduation rate. Access to Cornell's extensive research infrastructure
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Access to Cornell's extensive research infrastructure
- •Connection to prestigious academic network
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Meta, academic positions
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW CSE is top-10 nationally with strong Microsoft and Amazon connections in Seattle.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #2 in database administration degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Database Administration program graduates 5 students annually with a 97% graduation rate. Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft offices
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft offices
- •Access to leading database research and industry innovation in the Pacific Northwest
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU SCS is consistently #1 ranked with pioneering contributions to AI, robotics, and systems.
Carnegie Mellon University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #3 in database administration degree program.
Carnegie Mellon University's Database Administration program graduates 12 students annually with a 98% graduation rate. Pittsburgh tech hub with strong AI/robotics presence
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Google and Meta to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Pittsburgh tech hub with strong AI/robotics presence
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, research labs
Admissions
Towson University
Towson provides accessible doctoral education in IT with strong regional employer connections.
Towson University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #4 in database administration degree program.
Towson University's Database Administration program graduates 10 students annually with a 91% graduation rate. Baltimore financial services sector
Hakia Insight: Towson University leverages partnerships with Baltimore Police Department and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Baltimore financial services sector
- •Washington metro tech market
- •Mid-Atlantic government IT contracting opportunities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IT management, government, regional employers
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
George Mason University
GMU is located in one of the largest CS and IT corridors in the nation with strong government and defense connections.
George Mason University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #5 in database administration degree program.
George Mason University's Database Administration program graduates 18 students annually with a 81% graduation rate. Northern Virginia DC tech corridor
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's direct partnerships with Amazon AWS and defense contractors give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Northern Virginia DC tech corridor
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, government, defense contractors, consulting
Admissions
University of the Cumberlands
Affordable doctoral program in IT with flexible scheduling for working professionals.
University of the Cumberlands Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of the Cumberlands as the #6 in database administration degree program.
University of the Cumberlands's Database Administration program graduates 61 students annually with a 75% graduation rate. Kentucky with online options
Hakia Insight: University of the Cumberlands's Research Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with regional employers, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Kentucky with online options
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IT leadership, education, consulting
Admissions
Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology is NSA/DHS designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Capitol Technology University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Capitol Technology University as the #7 in database administration degree program.
Capitol Technology University's Database Administration program graduates 8 students annually with a 87% graduation rate. Washington DC federal government contracting corridor
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology University leverages partnerships with NASA and Parson Corporation to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Washington DC federal government contracting corridor
- •Northern Virginia defense and intelligence agency IT ecosystem
- •Proximity to major federal IT modernization initiatives
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
cybersecurity, government, defense
Admissions
Middle Georgia State University
Accessible IT doctoral program serving Georgia's growing tech sector.
Middle Georgia State University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #8 in database administration degree program.
Middle Georgia State University's Database Administration program graduates 28 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Central Georgia proximity to Macon tech sector
Hakia Insight: Central Georgia proximity to Macon tech sector
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Central Georgia proximity to Macon tech sector
- •Within 90 minutes of Atlanta data center operations
- •Access to regional healthcare IT infrastructure
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IT management, education
Admissions
Capella University
Flexible online doctoral program designed for IT professionals advancing their careers.
Capella University Database Administration Program Overview
Hakia ranks Capella University as the #9 in database administration degree program.
Capella University's Database Administration program graduates 7 students annually with a 13% graduation rate. Downtown Minneapolis headquarters
Hakia Insight: Capella University's Virtual Labs creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with corporate partners, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Downtown Minneapolis headquarters
- •100% online delivery accessibility
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IT leadership, education, consulting
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Database Administration PhD Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Cornell University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #1 in database administration degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 100.0
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell CS pioneers programming languages and formal methods with Cornell Tech in NYC.
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Google and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Cornell University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. Cornell CS offers PhD research in theory, systems, and programming languages with dual-campus model.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: PL Lab; Systems Lab; Theory Lab
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Apple
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, academic positions
Notable Faculty: Dr. Nate Foster (Database systems); Dr. Sainyam Galhotra (Database systems); Dr. Immanuel Trummer (Database systems)
Admissions:
#2. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #2 in database administration degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 99.4
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW CSE is top-10 nationally with strong Microsoft and Amazon connections in Seattle.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Microsoft and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. UW Allen School offers PhD in computer science and engineering as a premier research program.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: PLSE Lab; AI Lab; Systems Lab
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta
Notable Faculty: Dan Suciu (Database systems, query optimization, and data management)
Admissions:
#3. Carnegie Mellon University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #3 in database administration degree program. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 93.8
What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU SCS is consistently #1 ranked with pioneering contributions to AI, robotics, and systems.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Google and Meta to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. CMU CS PhD is a premier research degree combining broad foundation with deep specialization. Students work closely with faculty from their second month in the program.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: Machine Learning Department; Robotics Institute; Language Technologies Institute
Industry Partners: Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, research labs, top faculty positions
Admissions:
#4. Towson University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Towson University as the #4 in database administration degree program. Location: Towson, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,382/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 82.2
What makes Towson University stand out: Towson provides accessible doctoral education in IT with strong regional employer connections.
Hakia Insight: Towson University leverages partnerships with Baltimore Police Department and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Towson University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. Towson offers doctoral study in applied IT with focus on cybersecurity and information systems.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Database Administration emphasis) (4 years); Graduate Certificate in Database Administration (1 year); B.S. Computer Science (4 years); B.S. Information Systems (4 years); B.S. Information Technology (4 years); M.S. Computer Science (2 years); M.S. Applied Information Technology (2 years); Ph.D. Information Technology (4-5 years); Computer Forensics Graduate Certificate (1 year); Database Management Systems Graduate Certificate (1 year); Information Security and Assurance Graduate Certificate (1 year); Software Engineering Graduate Certificate (1 year)
Research Labs: Cybersecurity Lab; Data Analytics Lab
Industry Partners: Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, QIAGEN, LLC, Verogen, Gentueri, Inc., Stellar Scientific, KYK9 Search and Reunite Services, Maryland Department of Transportation
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: IT management, government, regional employers
Notable Faculty: Dr. Michael McGuire (Machine Learning, AI, Data Science, Environmental Informatics); Dr. Sidd Kaza (Cybersecurity Education, Data/Web Mining, Learning Sciences); Dr. Katherine Tang (Multimedia, Computer Graphics and Vision, Virtual Reality); Dr. Suranjan Chakraborty (Requirements Engineering, Human Computer Interaction); Dr. Kelly Elkins (Forensic DNA Analysis, Next Generation Sequencing)
Admissions:
Accreditations: SQL Server and Oracle certification preparation integrated into curriculum
#5. George Mason University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks George Mason University as the #5 in database administration degree program. Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 81.6
What makes George Mason University stand out: GMU is located in one of the largest CS and IT corridors in the nation with strong government and defense connections.
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's direct partnerships with Amazon AWS and defense contractors give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: George Mason University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. GMU CS PhD offers research in AI, databases, programming languages, systems, and theoretical CS in the DC tech corridor.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: AI Lab; Cyber Security Lab; Data Mining Lab
Industry Partners: Amazon AWS, defense contractors, government agencies
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Amazon, government, defense contractors, consulting
Admissions:
#6. University of the Cumberlands Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks University of the Cumberlands as the #6 in database administration degree program. Location: Williamsburg, KY | Type: Private | Tuition: $9,875/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Score: 79.3
What makes University of the Cumberlands stand out: Affordable doctoral program in IT with flexible scheduling for working professionals.
Hakia Insight: University of the Cumberlands's Research Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with regional employers, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: University of the Cumberlands offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. University of the Cumberlands offers PhD in IT with flexible online and on-campus options.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: Research Lab
Industry Partners: regional employers
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: IT leadership, education, consulting
Admissions:
#7. Capitol Technology University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Capitol Technology University as the #7 in database administration degree program. Location: Laurel, MD | Type: Private | Tuition: $26,088/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 53.7
What makes Capitol Technology University stand out: Capitol Technology is NSA/DHS designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology University leverages partnerships with NASA and Parson Corporation to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: Capitol Technology University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. Capitol Technology offers doctoral programs in cybersecurity and technology management with NSA/DHS designation.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Database Administration specialization) (4 years); MS in Information Systems (Database Administration track) (2 years); Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Cyber Engineering (varies); Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cyber Leadership (minimum 60 credit hours); Doctorate (DSc) in Cybersecurity (minimum 54 credit hours)
Research Labs: Cyber Lab; Research Center
Industry Partners: NASA, Parson Corporation, Leidos, Patton Electronics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Cyber Security Forum Initiative, Internal Revenue Service, National Cryptologic University, National Security Agency, Department of Defense
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: cybersecurity, government, defense
Notable Faculty: Dr. William Butler (Cyber Science Outreach and Partnerships); Dr. Kellep Charles (Cybersecurity); Prof Rick Hansen (Security Operations)
Admissions:
#8. Middle Georgia State University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Middle Georgia State University as the #8 in database administration degree program. Location: Macon, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,600/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 50.6
What makes Middle Georgia State University stand out: Accessible IT doctoral program serving Georgia's growing tech sector.
Hakia Insight: Central Georgia proximity to Macon tech sector
Program Overview: Middle Georgia State University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. Middle Georgia State offers IT doctoral education with focus on practical applications.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: IT Lab
Industry Partners: regional employers
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: IT management, education
Admissions:
#9. Capella University Database Administration Program
Hakia ranks Capella University as the #9 in database administration degree program. Location: Minneapolis, MN | Type: For-Profit | Tuition: $14,436/year | Graduation Rate: 13% | Score: 37.8
What makes Capella University stand out: Flexible online doctoral program designed for IT professionals advancing their careers.
Hakia Insight: Capella University's Virtual Labs creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with corporate partners, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: Capella University offers PhD research in database systems, data management, and enterprise data architecture. Capella offers online doctoral programs in IT and cybersecurity for working professionals.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Database Administration
Research Labs: Virtual Labs
Industry Partners: corporate partners
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: IT leadership, education, consulting
Admissions:
Accreditations: ACBSP, CCNE
Full Database Administration Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | 95% | 100 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | 97% | 99.4 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | 98% | 93.8 |
| 4 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | 91% | 82.2 |
| 5 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | 81% | 81.6 |
| 6 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | 75% | 79.3 |
| 7 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | 87% | 53.7 |
| 8 | Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA | Public | 96% | 50.6 |
| 9 | Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | For-Profit | 13% | 37.8 |
Research Areas & Specializations
PhD programs in database administration offer multiple specialization tracks. Your research area determines your advisor options, publication venues, and career trajectories.
Key Database Administration Research Areas
- Database Systems
- Query Optimization
- Distributed Databases
- Data Management
- Database Security
Emerging Research Topics (2024-2025)
- Query Processing
- Transaction Management
- NewSQL Systems
- Graph Databases
- Data Stream Processing
Choosing Your Specialization: Your research area should align with your interests, available advisors, and career goals. Review faculty research pages and recent publications. Attend seminars and read papers from top venues in database administration to understand current research directions.
Publication Venues: Check CSRankings.org to see which conferences and journals are most prestigious for your chosen specialization. Top-tier venues vary significantly by subfield.
Finding the Right Advisor
Your advisor is the single most important factor in PhD success. A good advisor shapes your research trajectory, opens networking opportunities, and directly impacts your career outcomes. According to data from NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates, advisor-student fit is strongly correlated with time to degree and completion rates.
What to Look For in an Advisor:
- Research alignment: Their work should genuinely excite you—you'll spend 5+ years on related problems
- Advising style: Some are hands-on, others hands-off. Know what you need and ask current students
- Funding stability: Do they have ongoing grants? Have they consistently funded students?
- Student outcomes: Where did their graduates end up? Academia? Industry? How long did they take?
- Lab culture: Talk to current students privately about work-life balance and lab dynamics
Red Flags to Avoid:
- High student turnover or many students leaving without degrees
- Faculty who are rarely available or traveling constantly
- Labs where students seem stressed, isolated, or unhappy
- Advisors with a history of conflicts or complaints
Pro tip: Email 2-3 current students and ask: "What do you wish you knew before joining this lab?" Their candid responses will tell you more than any faculty website.
PhD Funding & Stipends
You should not pay for a PhD.
Top programs offer full funding packages covering tuition plus a competitive stipend. According to CSStipendRankings.org and PhDStipends.com, computer science stipends range from $18,000 at lower-paying programs to $50,000+ at top institutions.
2024-25 Stipend Examples:
- Brown University: $49,000/year ($4,084/month) - Graduate School
- Duke University: Full funding for 5 years including tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend - CS Department
- Emory University: $37,467/year for CS/Informatics PhDs - Graduate School
- Mid-tier programs: Typically $25,000-35,000/year with full tuition waiver
Funding Sources:
- Research Assistantships (RA): Work on faculty research; most common funding source
- Teaching Assistantships (TA): Lead discussion sections, grade assignments
- Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, NDSEG, university fellowships) with higher stipends and research freedom
- Grants: Faculty research grants often fund PhD students
Cost of Living Warning: Use PhDStipends.com to compare living wage ratios, which normalize stipends to local cost of living. A $35K stipend in a low-cost city may provide better quality of life than $50K in San Francisco.
PhD Milestones & Timeline
The NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates tracks time to degree across all fields. Computer science PhDs typically take 5-6 years to complete, though this varies by research area and institution.
Typical PhD Timeline:
- Years 1-2: Coursework, rotations (if applicable), identify research area, pass qualifying exams
- Years 2-3: Thesis proposal, begin independent research, first publications
- Years 3-5: Core research, conference publications, build professional network
- Years 5-6: Complete dissertation, defend, job market
Key Milestones:
- Qualifying Exam: Usually year 1-2; tests breadth of knowledge and/or research potential
- Thesis Proposal: Year 2-3; defines your dissertation scope and convinces committee it's viable
- Candidacy: After proposal passes; you're now "ABD" (All But Dissertation)
- Dissertation Defense: Final oral exam presenting your complete research
What affects time to degree: Research area complexity, advisor expectations, publication requirements, whether you switch topics, and how quickly you identify a viable research direction.
Application Process
PhD admissions are highly competitive. According to ProFellow, top programs accept 5-15% of applicants. The process differs significantly from undergraduate or master's admissions.
Typical Application Components:
- Statement of Purpose: Your research interests, why this program, and potential advisors (2-3 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, ideally from research supervisors who know your work deeply
- CV/Resume: Emphasize research experience, publications, and technical projects
- GRE Scores: Many programs have made GRE optional since 2020; check requirements
- Transcripts: Strong grades help, but research experience often matters more
- Research samples: Some programs request writing samples or research proposals
Timeline:
- September-November: Research programs, contact potential advisors, prepare materials
- December 1-15: Most application deadlines
- January-March: Interview invitations (virtual or in-person visit days)
- March-April 15: Admission decisions; April 15 is the standard decision deadline
Critical tip: Reach out to potential advisors before applying. A brief, professional email expressing genuine interest in their research can significantly improve your chances—especially if they respond positively and mention your application to the admissions committee.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Generally better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Choosing Your Career Path
Industry research is right for you if:
- Compensation is a priority
- You want to see research deployed at scale
- You prefer shorter feedback loops
- You're comfortable with more directed research agendas
- Geographic flexibility is important (industry hubs)
Academia is right for you if:
- Research freedom is paramount
- You want to mentor the next generation
- Job security matters more than peak compensation
- You enjoy teaching
- You want to pursue long-term, speculative research
Increasingly blurred lines: Many researchers move between academia and industry. Some professors consult extensively; some industry researchers teach courses. The choice isn't permanent.
Postdoc Pathways
A postdoc is a temporary research position after completing your PhD. According to Academic Positions, postdoc salaries average $61,000-$72,000 in 2024, with most positions lasting 2-3 years.
When is a Postdoc Necessary?
- Academic careers: Often expected, especially at research universities. Strengthens your publication record and expands your network.
- Industry careers: Rarely necessary—most industry research labs hire directly from PhD programs
- Switching fields: A postdoc can help you pivot to a new research area
- Building independence: Develops skills in grant writing, lab management, and independent research
Postdoc Considerations:
- Duration: 1-3 years typical; longer postdocs can signal difficulty finding permanent positions
- Salary gap: Postdocs earn significantly less than industry PhDs—factor this into your decision
- Location flexibility: Postdocs often require relocation; be prepared to move
- Exit strategy: Have a clear plan for what comes after the postdoc
Important: In computer science, a postdoc is increasingly optional. Strong PhD graduates with good publication records can go directly to tenure-track positions or industry research roles.
Publication Expectations
Publications are the currency of academic research. In computer science, conference papers (not journals) are the primary publication venue, unlike most other fields.
Typical Publication Expectations:
- Minimum for graduation: 2-4 peer-reviewed publications (varies by program and advisor)
- Competitive job market: 5+ publications with at least 1-2 at top-tier venues
- Top-tier venues: NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ACL, SIGCOMM, SOSP, PLDI (varies by subfield)
- First-author papers: Critical for demonstrating independent research ability
Publication Timeline:
- Year 1-2: Workshop papers, co-authored papers with senior students
- Year 3-4: First-author publications at good venues
- Year 5+: Aim for top venues, build a coherent research narrative for job market
Quality vs Quantity: One strong paper at a top venue (NeurIPS, ICML, etc.) often matters more than several papers at lower-tier venues. Focus on impactful work that others will cite and build upon.
Resources: Check CSRankings.org to understand which venues matter most in your subfield and how faculty are evaluated by publication record.
Top States for Database Administration Doctoral Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in California | 25 | $9,500 | University of California |
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in Texas | 20 | $8,500 | University of Texas |
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in New York | 18 | $12,000 | SUNY |
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in Florida | 15 | $6,500 | University of Florida |
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in Virginia | 12 | $11,000 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Database Administration Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania | 14 | $14,000 | Penn State |
Data Analytics Career Track
+$17K avg salary increase·6 months
- Microsoft partnership with industry-recognized tools
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
Affiliate link · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Database Administration PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
Related Database Administration Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.