Chartered Accountant Salary in India varies widely based on experience, industry, and location. According to official ICAI placement reports and industry data, fresh CA graduates on campus typically receive packages around ₹12–13 lakh per year. In earlier years, campus placement averages were lower (i.e. ₹7.4 LPA in 2019), but growing demand has pushed average offers higher in recent cycles. In practical terms, a Chartered Accountant salary of a fresher is ₹6–8 LPA (about ₹50,000–₹70,000 per month). By contrast, top recruits often secure much higher offers: the highest domestic CA placement package in late 2024 reached ₹26.7 LPA (about ₹2.2 lakh per month), and early 2025 reports show top offers up to ₹29 LPA.
Overall, the average Chartered Accountant salary in India is often cited around ₹10–12 LPA. This average covers entry-level to mid-level CAs. In industry sectors (outside campus placements), starting salaries for newly qualified CAs generally range from ₹6–9 LPA (approx. ₹50k–75k per month). These freshers’ salaries can vary by employer – for example, Big Four accounting firms often start new CAs at about ₹4–7 LPA (₹33k–58k/month), while leading MNCs or banks may offer higher starting packages up to ₹8–10 LPA or more.
With experience, the salary of a Chartered Accountant grows significantly. On an average, a CA with 3–5 years of experience can expect around ₹12–20 LPA (roughly ₹1.0–1.7 lakh per month), and those with 5–10 years may earn ₹15–30 LPA (₹1.25–2.5 lakh/month). In high-paying industries or advanced roles, senior CAs (10+ years) routinely earn ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore per year (roughly ₹4.2–8.3 lakh per month) or more. Factors like additional qualifications (e.g. MBA, CFA/CPA), specialized skills, and leadership roles can push salaries even higher.
In summary, Chartered Accountant salary in India ranges from about ₹6 lakh per year for new entrants to tens of lakhs (and even crores) for very senior CAs. This equates to roughly ₹50,000 per month for freshers up to ₹8–10 lakh per month for top veterans. The figures below illustrate typical ranges:
- Campus Average (2025): ~₹12.5 LPA (≈₹1.04 LPM)
- Fresh CA (Industry): ~₹6–9 LPA (≈₹50k–75k/month)
- 3–5 Years Experience: ~₹10–20 LPA (₹0.8–1.7 LPM)
- 5–10 Years Experience: ~₹15–30 LPA (₹1.25–2.5 LPM)
- Senior CA (10+ Years): ₹50 LPA – ₹1 Cr (₹4.2–8.3 LPM)
- Highest Packages: Over ₹26–29 LPA on campus; ₹50 LPA–₹1 Cr in industry
These numbers highlight that a Chartered Accountant salary per month in India can start from around ₹40–60k for entry-level roles, quickly rising above ₹1 lakh/month with a few years experience. The average CA salary per month in India is thus on the order of ₹80k–1.1 lakh (given the ₹10–13 LPA annual range).
Chartered Accountant Fresher Salary in India
A newly qualified CA starting salary in India typically falls between ₹6 to ₹10 lakh per annum. This means roughly ₹50,000 to ₹83,000 per month for fresh chartered accountants. The exact fresher salary depends on the employer and location. For example, campus recruitment for top firms often yields fresher packages around ₹8–12 LPA, whereas smaller firms or regional companies might offer closer to ₹5–7 LPA. According to a source in the industry, freshers at multinational corporations or in government positions can start at around Rs6-10 per hour, while outstanding hiring at top MNCs (FMCG banking, tech,) are able to earn up to the Rs12-15 LPA right from college.
Within the Big Four accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) Entry-level CAs (with less than 2 years’ experience) generally earn four to seven lakhs per year (about $33,000 to $58,000 monthly). This aligns with the ₹6–9 LPA range cited for freshers in broader industry. For instance, The Finance Story reports that Big 4 CAs in their first couple of years earn roughly ₹4–7 LPA, with significant jumps thereafter. Smaller accounting firms or startups may start fresh CAs at ₹5–6 LPA, reflecting lower costs and budgets.
Some fresh CAs secure higher starting pay. Newly-qualified rank-holders or candidates placed through ICAI’s campus drives can see higher packages. In late 2024, the highest campus placement offer was ₹26.7 LPA for a new CA, though that is exceptional. A top fresher in a major corporate or bank might land ₹12–15 LPA, but this is well above the median. For most first-year CAs, a realistic starting salary is around ₹6–9 LPA (₹50k–75k per month).
These figures represent annual salaries, so to estimate the monthly salary: ₹6 LPA ≈ ₹50,000/month, ₹8 LPA ≈ ₹66,667/month, and ₹10 LPA ≈ ₹83,333/month (pre-tax). Many fresh CAs in 2025 earn about ₹50–80k per month. Employers often provide pay in 12–14 monthly installments, so monthly take-home (after taxes/deductions) might be a bit lower. Still, even a ₹6 LPA CTC (cost-to-company) typically gives a fresher roughly ₹45–50k per month in hand.
To summarize Chartered Accountant fresher salary in India:
- Low end: ~₹5–6 LPA (≈₹40k–50k/month) at smaller firms.
- Typical: ~₹6–9 LPA (₹50k–75k/month) in most industry roles.
- High end: ₹10–15 LPA (₹83k–1.25L/month) for top performers in MNCs or banks.
Freshers should note that salary quickly increases with experience (see next sections). Even within the first 2–3 years, promotions and new jobs can double the take-home pay. But the starting salary as a CA in India is generally in the range of ₹6–9 lakh per annum.
Also Check: How to Become CA
Chartered Accountant Salary per Month in India
When discussing a Chartered Accountant salary per month, it is useful to convert annual figures into monthly terms. As noted, fresh CAs in India typically begin around ₹6–9 LPA, which translates to about ₹50,000–75,000 per month (before deductions). For mid-career CAs (with 3–5 years’ experience), salaries of ₹12–20 LPA are common, meaning ₹1.0–1.7 lakh per month. Senior CAs (5–10 years) earning ₹15–30 LPA receive roughly ₹1.25–2.5 lakh per month.
ICAI campus placements give a sense of how these averages play out: the reported average package of ₹12.49 LPA in late 2025 corresponds to about ₹1.04 lakh per month. For context, here are some typical CA salaries per month based on experience (approximate figures):
- Entry Level (0–2 years): ₹5–8 LPA → ₹41,000–67,000 per month.
- Early Career (3–5 years): ₹10–15 LPA → ₹83,000–1.25 lakh per month.
- Mid Career (5–10 years): ₹15–30 LPA → ₹1.25–2.5 lakh per month.
- Senior Level (10+ years): ₹30–50 LPA → ₹2.5–4.2 lakh per month.
- Top Executive (CFO/MD, etc): ₹50 LPA → ₹1 Cr+ → ₹4.2 lakh – ₹8.3 lakh per month or higher.
In addition to base salary, CAs often receive bonuses, performance incentives, and other perks. This can add another 10–20% or more to total compensation. For example, a CA with a ₹20 LPA salary might actually take home the equivalent of ₹22–24 LPA when bonuses are included. However, for simplicity, the above ranges focus on base CTC.
CA Monthly salary discussions are especially common for personal budgeting. Remember that the gross monthly salary is before taxes; after tax, a CA in the ₹75k–1.5 lakh range per month might actually receive about 85–90% of that net, depending on tax slabs and other deductions.
In summary, a Chartered Accountant monthly salary in India can vary greatly: from around ₹40–60k for new entrants to well over ₹1 lakh for experienced professionals. The exact CA monthly salary depends on experience, role, and company, but here are ballpark figures:
- Freshers: ~₹40k–60k/month.
- Mid-level: ~₹80k–1.5 lakh/month.
- Senior: ₹1.5–2.5+ lakh/month.
These numbers help prospective and practicing CAs gauge their earning potential on a monthly basis.
Chartered Accountant Salary After 5 Years of Experience
One common question is “What is the Chartered Accountant salary after 5 years?” – that is, how much does a CA earn once they are mid-career. After about 5 years of experience, CAs typically move into senior audit/finance roles or management. Industry data suggests that by this stage, annual salaries often reach ₹15–30 lakh. This corresponds to roughly ₹1.25–2.5 lakh per month.
One analysis has demonstrated that CAs with 5-10 years of experience typically earn between Rs. 15-Rs. 30 LPA annually. A CA working 5 years for a smaller firm or city might make around Rs15 Lakhs Per Annum(roughly Rs1.25 lakh/month), whereas those employed by large MNCs or with managerial roles might see their monthly earnings reach upwards of Rs25 Lakhs Per Annum(Rs2.1 lakh). Furthermore, once moving from associate roles into managerial ones (5-7 years in), their salaries often jump significantly into the Rs20-25 L range (Rs1.7 to 2.1 lakh/month).
In the Big Four, the salary scale reflects this progression. The FinanceStory report indicates that after about 4–5 years, CA professionals earn on average ₹13–18 LPA (roughly ₹1.1–1.5 lakh/month). At 6–8 years, managers can reach ₹20–30 LPA (₹1.7–2.5 lakh/month). These figures align with broader industry data.
A CA who has become a Senior Manager or Assistant VP in a bank/financial firm might earn on the higher end of this range (over ₹25 LPA), while one who remained in smaller practice or public sector roles might be nearer to ₹15–20 LPA.
To illustrate, here are approximate salary benchmarks for a CA around the 5-year mark:
- Lower Medium: ₹15 LPA (₹1.25 LPM).
- Median: ₹18–22 LPA (₹1.5–1.8 LPM).
- Higher Medium: ₹25–30 LPA (₹2.1–2.5 LPM).
Compared to freshers (₹6–9 LPA), this is often a 2–3× increase over 5 years. The growth reflects promotions to managerial titles (Manager, Senior Manager) and greater responsibilities in audit, tax, finance, or advisory roles.
Beyond 5 years, salaries continue to climb. Many CAs with around 8–10 years experience are making ₹20–30 LPA, and by 10–15 years they may be in leadership roles earning ₹30–50 LPA or more (₹2.5–4.2 lakh/month). Exceptional performers (e.g. heads of finance, partners) can exceed these.
In summary, Chartered Accountant salary after 5 years is commonly in the ₹15–30 LPA range. This typically means a monthly income of about ₹1.25–2.5 lakh. The exact figure depends on one’s career track, employer, and city, but by year 5 a CA’s pay generally more than doubles compared to entry level.
Highest Chartered Accountant Salary in India
The highest salary for Chartered Accountants come in specialized or top executive roles. CAs who reach senior management (CFO, finance director, partner) often command the largest pay. Industry reports indicate that highly experienced CAs in big companies can earn ₹50 lakh to over ₹1 crore per annum. For instance, CAs at the CFO or company director level in multinational corporations, top banks, or large conglomerates frequently have pay packages in this range (over ₹4–8 lakh per month).
According to one source, CA professionals with extensive experience and top skills receive annual salaries between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore. This aligns with CFO salary surveys: the average CFO salary in India is reported around ₹35–40 lakh, with top CFOs exceeding ₹1 crore (especially including bonuses). Chartered Accountants often become CFOs, so these figures apply. Additionally, partners in the Big 4 or large boutique firms can share in profits, leading to multi-crore compensation in some cases. For example, industry analysis shows that a senior partner in a Big 4 might effectively earn well over ₹7–25 crore per year (including equity), though such cases are rare.
On-campus and entry-level drives also occasionally yield high starting salaries. The record domestic campus package was ₹26.7 LPA (by Power Finance Corporation), and in subsequent campus cycles the very top offers went up to ₹29 LPA. Fresh CAs securing the very best roles (rank-holders at premier firms) might start near ₹20–30 LPA. However, these are outliers compared to the median.
In practice, some of the highest CA salaries in India include:
- Big 4 Partners: Equity stake leading to multi-crore annual compensation.
- Fortune 500 CFOs/Finance Directors: ₹50 LPA – ₹1+ Cr.
- Senior Finance Heads in Tech/FMCG/Banks: ₹30–70 LPA (₹2.5–5.8 lakh/month).
- Government/PSU Finance Chiefs: Top public sector roles may pay ₹20–30 LPA, lower than private sector.
- IT/Consulting Firms: Senior finance managers can hit ₹30–40 LPA or more.
Even at mid-senior levels, CAs in in-demand fields like investment banking or strategy consulting can command premium pay. The GradeHunt report notes that top industries for CA pay include investment banking, consulting, FMCG, IT and manufacturing. CAs who specialize in high-value areas (e.g. international tax, M&A, risk management) often earn at the higher end of ranges.
To give a concrete example: a CA working as a finance manager at a large IT company might earn ₹20–30 LPA early on, but after 10–15 years as a finance director/CFO, they could be over ₹50 LPA. A Big 4 CA who makes partner (age ~35–45) might draw base salaries of ₹2–5 Cr, plus firm profits.
In summary, while the average Chartered Accountant salary in India is about ₹10–12 LPA, the highest-earning CAs in elite roles can earn tens of lakhs per month. These extremes are achieved by a small fraction of professionals who reach senior leadership or partnership.
Chartered Accountant Salary City‑Wise in India
Understanding Chartered Accountant salary by city helps professionals make informed career choices. Location impacts pay due to cost of living, demand, and industry presence. Based on data from PayScale, AmbitionBox, Glassdoor, and expert reports, here’s a detailed city-wise analysis tailored for Indian users:
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Mumbai (Financial Capital)
- Average CA Salary: ₹9 LPA annually (~₹75,000/month) per Glassdoor, estimated total compensation around ₹10 LPA.
- Freshers: ₹3.6 – 11.5 LPA per AmbitionBox .
- Experienced (8–10 years): ₹14 – 18 LPA annually.
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Bangalore
- Average CA Salary: around ₹9 LPA per PayScale’s national figure; Bangalore often pays slightly more.
- Range: ₹4 – 22 LPA.
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Delhi NCR (Delhi & Gurugram)
- Average in Delhi: approximately ₹7 LPA; Gurugram averages around ₹9.5 LPA.
- High-end packages: up to ₹20 LPA.
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Chennai
- Range: Freshers to experienced CAs earn ₹1 – 20 LPA, with average around ₹12.9 LPA.
- Average: ~₹12.9 LPA .
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Hyderabad
- Range: ₹3 – 17.5 LPA, average near ₹10 LPA.
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Pune & Ahmedabad
- Pune: ₹1.5 – 16.5 LPA, average ~₹10.7 LPA.
- Ahmedabad: ₹2.8 – 12 LPA, average ~₹8.7 LPA.
- Chartered Accountant Salary in Kolkata & Guwahati
- Kolkata: ₹2.5 – 12 LPA range.
- Guwahati: around ₹6.2 LPA .
| City | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-Career (3–5 yrs) | Senior (8–10+ yrs) | Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3.6–11.5 LPA | ₹10–18 LPA | ₹18–20+ LPA | ₹9–10 LPA |
| Bangalore | ₹4–9 LPA | ₹8–15 LPA | Up to ₹22 LPA | ₹9 LPA |
| Delhi/Gurugram | ₹3–10 LPA | ₹8–17 LPA | Up to ₹20 LPA | ₹8–9 LPA |
| Chennai | ₹1–3 LPA | ₹7–12 LPA | Up to ₹20 LPA | ₹12.9 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹3–7 LPA | ₹7–13 LPA | Up to ₹17.5 LPA | ₹10 LPA |
| Pune | ₹1.5–5 LPA | ₹6–10 LPA | Up to ₹16.5 LPA | ₹10.7 LPA |
| Ahmedabad | ₹2.8–6 LPA | – | Up to ₹12 LPA | ₹8.7 LPA |
| Kolkata | ₹2.5–5 LPA | – | Up to ₹12 LPA | ₹7 LPA |
| Guwahati | ~₹6.2 LPA | – | – | ₹6.2 LPA |
Why City Matters for Chartered Accountant Salary?
- Cost of living: Metro cities pay more to match expenses.
- Industry presence: Larger firms, banks, and international companies cluster in metros.
- Career progression: Faster role advancement in cities with diverse opportunities.
Monthly Salary by City
- Mumbai Fresher: ₹30–95k/month
- Mid-career in Mumbai: ₹83k–1.5L/month
- Bangalore Fresher: ₹33–75k/month
- Delhi/Gurugram Fresher: ₹25–85k/month
- Chennai Fresher: ₹8–25k/month; experienced ₹58k–1.6L/month
Final Insights
- Metro cities (Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad) offer average CA salaries of ₹9–13 LPA.
- Tier-2 cities (Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Guwahati) typically pay ₹6–11 LPA.
- Monthly income ranges from ₹25k to ₹1.7L based on experience and city.
- Higher starting salaries and quicker career growth occur in metros.
- Smaller cities offer cost advantages but slower salary escalation.
By presenting Chartered Accountant salary city-wise with verified data, experience tiers, and monthly conversions, this guide offers comprehensive answers to all common user questions.
List of Top CA Recruiting Companies In India
Given below is a list of top chartered accountancy firms that actively recruit CAs in India, based on multiple reputable sources:
- Deloitte India
- PwC India
- Ernst & Young (EY) India
- KPMG India
- BDO India
- Grant Thornton India
- RSM India
- S.S. Kothari Mehta & Co.
- Singhi & Co.
- Nangia & Co. LLP
- SR Dinodia & Co. LLP
- Lodha & Co.
- Luthra & Luthra India
- Sahni Natrajan & Bahl (SNB)
- SCV & Co. LLP
- S.P. Chopra & Co.
- Nangia Andersen India Pvt. Ltd
Factors Affecting Chartered Accountant Salary in India
Several key factors influence the salary of a Chartered Accountant in India:
- Experience and Seniority: The most important factor is years of experience. As noted above, CA salaries grow sharply with seniority. Entry-level CAs earn much less than those with 5–10 years, who in turn earn less than partners/CFOs.
- Employer and Industry: CAs working at large corporations, Big 4 accounting firms, or foreign banks generally earn higher salaries. Multinational companies (IT, FMCG, consulting, finance) and major banks often pay better than small firms or government jobs. For example, a CA at PwC or Deloitte will typically have a higher pay scale than a CA at a local accounting practice. GradeHunt notes that investment banking, consulting, FMCG, and IT firms offer some of the highest compensation for CAs.
- Location: Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bangalore and Pune tend to offer higher salaries due to higher living costs and concentration of big businesses. Smaller cities generally have lower pay scales. For instance, a CA in Mumbai or Bangalore might earn ~10–20% more than a peer in a tier-2 city. (Specific city data vary, but it’s common wisdom that roles in top metro areas pay more.)
- Additional Qualifications and Skills: CAs with extra degrees or certifications (e.g. MBA, CFA, CPA, CMA, or specialized courses in IFRS/Tally) can command higher pay. Specialized technical skills (such as ERP knowledge, financial modeling, or regulatory expertise) also add value. CAs who pass exams on their first attempt or get honors might start at higher packages.
- Performance and Roles: High performers who take on leadership roles (e.g. heading audit teams, leading project finance) or who switch to high-paying roles (like finance consulting) see faster salary growth. CAs who become partners in firms or take on profit-and-loss responsibility justify bigger pay.
- Demand and Supply: The overall demand for CAs affects salary. Recent reports show growing demand: ICAI placed over 8,000 CAs in 2024 with record company participation. High demand and talent shortages in finance push salaries up for both freshers and experienced CAs.
- Bonus and Incentives: Many companies add bonuses (annual, joining, retention) which boost total compensation. A CA’s on-paper “CTC” might include substantial performance bonuses or stock options in tech firms.
In summary, a CA’s salary is highest when multiple factors align: strong experience, a large/multinational employer, location in a metro city, and specialized skills or qualifications. Conversely, a new CA in a small firm or rural area might start at the lower end of salary scales. Understanding these factors helps CAs choose career moves to maximize their earnings potential.
FAQs About Chartered Accountant Salary in India
Ques. 1. How much does a CA earn in India per month?
Ans. The average CA salary per month in India is around ₹55,000 to ₹70,000, based on an annual average of ₹6.7 to ₹9 lakhs.
Freshers typically earn about ₹50,000–58,000/month, corresponding to ₹6–7 LPA . With 5+ years of experience, monthly salary rises to around ₹1 lakh (₹12–15 LPA), and for 10+ years, it can reach ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/month (₹18–30 LPA)
Ques. 2. Can a CA earn ₹30 lakhs per month?
Ans. Yes. Absolutely.
- CAs with 5–10 years’ experience commonly earn between ₹15–30 LPA (~₹1.25–2.5 lakh/month).
- CAs in senior roles or at top firms regularly cross the ₹30 LPA mark. Some even reach ₹60–80 LPA (~₹5–7 lakh/month) in specialized or international roles .
- Fresh CA rank-holders in campus placements have seen starting packages of ₹25 LPA (≈₹2 lakh/month).
Ques. 3. Is CA the highest paid profession in India?
Ans. While Chartered Accountants are among India’s well-compensated professionals, they are not the absolute highest paid.
- Average CA salaries range from ₹50k/month (entry-level) to ₹2–4 lakh/month (senior roles), with some topping ₹8 lakh/month in executive positions .
- Other high-paying professions—such as software engineers, investment bankers, management consultants, doctors, and especially founders or C-suite executives—can command salaries or compensation packages significantly higher, sometimes including equity, pushing annual earnings into crores.
So, while CA offers excellent earning potential, it’s one of several top-paying careers, not the absolute highest.
Ques. 4. Who earns more: CA or IAS?
Ans. IAS officers are well-respected and receive secure government salaries with benefits—but CA professionals often earn more, especially in private sector or executive roles:
- IAS salary: Base pay around ₹56,100–₹2,50,000/month depending on rank, plus allowances (house rent, travel, dearness allowance).
- Chartered Accountant:
- Fresh CAs: ₹40k–70k/month
- Mid-level: ₹1–2 lakh/month
- Senior/Executive: ₹2–4 lakh/month (with bonuses and incentives).
