A career does indeed begin to shine in the eyes of many commerce students when it goes by the title of Chartered Accountant. Thus, with such a rigorous training and strict tests, one is offered a lucrative salary packages, prestige, and a plethora of career opportunities. But how much does a CA earn in India? What factors determine their income? And how do would-be candidates and those with years of experience get compared?
The article breaks down the salary of a CA in India, analyses the history of upward movement concerning experience, sectors, and cities, and answers 2025's most commonly asked query on CA earnings.
What is a CA (Chartered Accountant)?
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a certified financial professional recognized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Their responsibilities include:
Financial auditing
Average Salary of a CA in India
The average salary of a CA in India in 2025 ranges between ₹7 to ₹8 lakhs per annum for freshers. With experience, qualifications, and the right industry exposure, this figure can soar significantly.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Tip: CAs who clear all exams in their first attempt often land higher packages during campus placements.
CA Salary for Freshers
Freshly qualified CAs from ICAI can expect starting packages ranging from ₹6 LPA to ₹10 LPA, depending on:
CA Salary in Different Sectors
1. Private Companies
CAs working in large Indian or multinational corporations earn between ₹8 to ₹22 LPA. They often work in:
Average salary: ₹10 to ₹20 LPA, depending on experience and performance.
3. Banking & Finance
Banks like SBI, HDFC, Axis, and investment firms offer packages from ₹9 to ₹18 LPA for roles in:
CAs in PSUs and government organizations (like ONGC, BHEL) earn a salary in the range of ₹8 to ₹14 LPA, including perks.
CA Salary by Location
Mumbai remains the highest-paying city due to the presence of large corporate headquarters and financial hubs.
Self-Employed CA Salary
Chartered Accountants who open their own CA firms or work as consultants can earn far more than salaried professionals.
Earnings range:
Niche services like forensic auditing, international taxation, and GST consultancy boost earnings significantly.
Factors Affecting CA Salary in India
1. Number of Attempts
Candidates who clear all CA levels in their first attempt are preferred and get higher starting salaries.
2. Industry
Finance, banking, IT, and consulting sectors offer the highest CA salaries.
3. Articleship Quality
Internships with reputed firms like Deloitte or EY during articleship lead to better placements.
4. Certifications
Additional courses like CFA, CPA, or MBA in Finance can increase earning potential.
CA Salary Abroad
CAs qualified in India but working abroad (especially in UAE, UK, Canada, and Australia) can earn between ₹25 LPA to ₹60 LPA, depending on role and location.
Middle East (UAE, Qatar) offers high tax-free salaries for Indian CAs, particularly in the oil, gas, and real estate sectors.
CA Salary in Government vs Private Sector
While government jobs offer stability, the private sector provides better growth opportunities and compensation.
Skills That Increase CA Salary
FAQs About CA Salary in India
Q. What is the highest salary of a CA in India?
Top CAs in leadership roles can earn ₹70 LPA or more, especially in CFO or Partner positions.
Q. How much does a CA earn after 5 years?
On average, ₹15–25 LPA depending on performance and sector.
Q. Is CA a high-paying career?
Yes, especially in private sector roles and consulting. It also offers strong growth and job stability.
Q. Does the number of attempts affect CA salary?
Yes, first-attempt pass candidates often receive 20–30% higher initial packages.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding salary of a CA in India with excellent scope for growth especially if you are skilled, proactive, and technically sound. From freshers to CFOs, the earning potential just keeps growing with time, which is a highly respected and profitable career path in India.
The career of a CA in India, whether in a Big 4 or coldfusion, is one of prestige and prosperity, depending on your option.
The article breaks down the salary of a CA in India, analyses the history of upward movement concerning experience, sectors, and cities, and answers 2025's most commonly asked query on CA earnings.
What is a CA (Chartered Accountant)?
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a certified financial professional recognized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Their responsibilities include:
Financial auditing
- Tax planning and filing
- Budgeting
- Financial reporting
- Risk analysis and internal audits
Average Salary of a CA in India
The average salary of a CA in India in 2025 ranges between ₹7 to ₹8 lakhs per annum for freshers. With experience, qualifications, and the right industry exposure, this figure can soar significantly.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Experience Level | Average Salary (Per Annum) |
| Freshers (0–2 years) | ₹6 – ₹8 LPA |
| Mid-level (3–5 years) | ₹9 – ₹14 LPA |
| Senior (6–10 years) | ₹15 – ₹25 LPA |
| 10+ years | ₹25 LPA and above |
Tip: CAs who clear all exams in their first attempt often land higher packages during campus placements.CA Salary for Freshers
Freshly qualified CAs from ICAI can expect starting packages ranging from ₹6 LPA to ₹10 LPA, depending on:
- Academic record
- Articleship experience
- Communication skills
- Company profile
CA Salary in Different Sectors
1. Private Companies
CAs working in large Indian or multinational corporations earn between ₹8 to ₹22 LPA. They often work in:
- Taxation
- Internal audit
- Budgeting
- Financial forecasting
Average salary: ₹10 to ₹20 LPA, depending on experience and performance.
3. Banking & Finance
Banks like SBI, HDFC, Axis, and investment firms offer packages from ₹9 to ₹18 LPA for roles in:
- Credit analysis
- Risk management
- Treasury operations
CAs in PSUs and government organizations (like ONGC, BHEL) earn a salary in the range of ₹8 to ₹14 LPA, including perks.
CA Salary by Location
City | Average Salary (LPA) |
| Mumbai | ₹10 – ₹22 LPA |
| Delhi NCR | ₹8 – ₹20 LPA |
| Bangalore | ₹9 – ₹19 LPA |
| Chennai | ₹7 – ₹18 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹7 – ₹16 LPA |
| Tier 2 Cities | ₹5 – ₹12 LPA |
Mumbai remains the highest-paying city due to the presence of large corporate headquarters and financial hubs.
Self-Employed CA Salary
Chartered Accountants who open their own CA firms or work as consultants can earn far more than salaried professionals.
Earnings range:
- New practice: ₹3 to ₹8 LPA (initially)
- 5+ years experience: ₹15 to ₹25 LPA
- Senior consultants: ₹30 LPA and beyond
Niche services like forensic auditing, international taxation, and GST consultancy boost earnings significantly.Factors Affecting CA Salary in India
1. Number of Attempts
Candidates who clear all CA levels in their first attempt are preferred and get higher starting salaries.
2. Industry
Finance, banking, IT, and consulting sectors offer the highest CA salaries.
3. Articleship Quality
Internships with reputed firms like Deloitte or EY during articleship lead to better placements.
4. Certifications
Additional courses like CFA, CPA, or MBA in Finance can increase earning potential.
CA Salary Abroad
CAs qualified in India but working abroad (especially in UAE, UK, Canada, and Australia) can earn between ₹25 LPA to ₹60 LPA, depending on role and location.
Middle East (UAE, Qatar) offers high tax-free salaries for Indian CAs, particularly in the oil, gas, and real estate sectors.
CA Salary in Government vs Private Sector
Criteria | Private Sector | Government Sector |
| Starting Salary | ₹6–10 LPA | ₹6–8 LPA |
| Growth Potential | Very High | Moderate |
| Perks | Bonus, Stock Options | Pensions, Job Security |
| Work-Life Balance | Varies | Generally Better |
While government jobs offer stability, the private sector provides better growth opportunities and compensation.
Skills That Increase CA Salary
- SAP and Oracle Financials expertise
- GST & Income Tax proficiency
- Financial modeling
- Forensic accounting
- Data analytics in finance
FAQs About CA Salary in India
Q. What is the highest salary of a CA in India?
Top CAs in leadership roles can earn ₹70 LPA or more, especially in CFO or Partner positions.
Q. How much does a CA earn after 5 years?
On average, ₹15–25 LPA depending on performance and sector.
Q. Is CA a high-paying career?
Yes, especially in private sector roles and consulting. It also offers strong growth and job stability.
Q. Does the number of attempts affect CA salary?
Yes, first-attempt pass candidates often receive 20–30% higher initial packages.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding salary of a CA in India with excellent scope for growth especially if you are skilled, proactive, and technically sound. From freshers to CFOs, the earning potential just keeps growing with time, which is a highly respected and profitable career path in India.
The career of a CA in India, whether in a Big 4 or coldfusion, is one of prestige and prosperity, depending on your option.
