The Chartered Accountant (CA) designation is one of the most prestigious and sought-after qualifications in India. Beyond the respect and career opportunities it offers, the CA salary in India is a significant draw for aspirants. In 2025, the salary of a CA remains highly competitive, with excellent growth prospects, allowances, and benefits that make it a financially rewarding career. Whether you’re wondering, “What is the salary of a CA in India per month?” or curious about the highest salary of a CA in India, this guide covers everything you need to know about CA earnings, from starting salaries to top-tier packages.
Understanding the CA Salary Structure
The salary of a CA in India is structured to reward expertise, experience, and responsibility. Governed by market standards and varying by industry, location, and employer, a CA’s compensation includes a fixed salary, bonuses, and additional perks. The CA full form in salary refers to the total earnings of a Chartered Accountant, encompassing their base pay and incentives.
For those asking, “CA ki salary kitni hoti hai?” the answer depends on factors like experience, job role, and whether the CA works in corporate firms, public practice, or as a consultant. Let’s break down the CA salary per month and its progression over time.
CA Salary in India Per Month (2025)
The starting salary of CA in India typically ranges between ₹6 lakh to ₹9 lakh per annum, translating to a monthly salary of approximately ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This applies to fresh CAs joining reputed firms like the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or mid-tier companies.
Breakdown of CA Starting Salary
- Base Salary: ₹40,000–₹60,000
- Bonuses/Performance Incentives: ₹5,000–₹15,000 (varies by employer)
- Other Benefits: Provident Fund, medical insurance, travel allowances, etc.
With experience, the average salary of CA in India increases significantly. Let’s explore how CA earnings have evolved over time.
CA Salary Growth Over the Years
One of the most appealing aspects of a CA career is the potential for exponential salary growth. As CAs gain experience and take on senior roles, their earnings rise substantially.
CA Salary After 5 Years
After five years, a CA’s salary sees a notable jump. At this stage, many CAs move into managerial roles like Financial Analyst, Audit Manager, or Tax Consultant.
- Approximate Annual Salary: ₹12 lakh–₹18 lakh
- CA Salary Per Month: ₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000
- In-Hand Salary: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 (after taxes and deductions)
CA Salary After 10 Years
With a decade of experience, CAs often hold senior positions such as Finance Manager, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or Partner in a CA firm.
- Approximate Annual Salary: ₹20 lakh–₹40 lakh
- CA Salary Per Month: ₹1,60,000–₹3,30,000
- In-Hand Salary: ₹1,30,000–₹2,50,000
CA Salary After 20 Years
After 20 years, CAs at the top of their game—such as CFOs of large corporations or Partners in top-tier firms—command impressive packages.
- Approximate Annual Salary: ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore
- CA Salary Per Month: ₹4,00,000–₹16,00,000
- In-Hand Salary: ₹3,00,000–₹12,00,000
Highest Salary of CA in India
The highest salary of CA in India can reach staggering levels, especially for CAs in leadership roles or those working with multinational corporations. Top CAs, such as CFOs of listed companies or Partners at Big Four firms, can earn ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore annually, translating to a CA’s highest salary in India per month of ₹8 lakh to ₹40 lakh.
The salary of CA topper often starts higher than average, as toppers are highly sought after by top firms. For instance, a CA rank holder might secure a starting package of ₹10 lakh–₹15 lakh per annum (₹80,000–₹1,25,000 per month).
CA Articleship Salary
During the mandatory CA articleship (a 3-year training period), candidates earn a stipend rather than a full salary. The CA articleship salary varies based on the firm and location:
- Small/Mid-Tier Firms: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per month
- Big Four/Mid-to-Large Firms: ₹15,000–₹30,000 per month
While the articleship salary is modest, it’s a crucial stepping stone to becoming a qualified CA and unlocking higher earnings.
What is the Salary of a CA in India Per Month?
To summarize, the salary of CA in India per month depends on experience and role:
- Starting Salary of CA: ₹50,000–₹75,000
- After 5 Years: ₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000
- After 10 Years: ₹1,60,000–₹3,30,000
- After 20 Years: ₹4,00,000–₹16,00,000
The average CA salary in India is around ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per annum (₹80,000–₹1,25,000 per month), but this varies by industry and location.
CA Salary in Different Industries
The CA salary in India differs across sectors. Here’s a look at typical earnings in key industries:
- Big Four Firms: Starting at ₹6 lakh–₹9 lakh per annum; senior roles exceed ₹50 lakh.
- Corporate Sector: ₹8 lakh–₹15 lakh for freshers; CFOs earn ₹1 crore+.
- Banking/Finance: ₹10 lakh–₹20 lakh for mid-level roles.
- Public Practice: ₹5 lakh–₹10 lakh for starters; Partners earn ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore.
- Startups: ₹6 lakh–₹12 lakh initially, with equity options for senior roles.
CA Salary in Different Cities
While the base salary of a CA in India is consistent, allowances and cost-of-living adjustments vary by city:
- Metro Cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore): Higher salaries due to demand and living costs (₹60,000–₹1,00,000 for freshers).
- Tier-1 Cities (Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai): Slightly lower but competitive (₹50,000–₹80,000).
- Tier-2 Cities: ₹40,000–₹60,000 for starters, with lower living expenses.
Minimum Salary of CA in India
The minimum salary of a CA in India is typically around ₹5 lakh per annum (₹40,000 per month) for freshers joining smaller firms or practicing independently. However, this is rare, as most CAs secure better offers from reputed organizations.
Perks and Benefits of a CA Career
Beyond the CA salary per month, the career offers numerous perks that enhance its appeal:
- Bonuses: Performance-based incentives can add 10–30% to annual earnings.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for CAs and families.
- Retirement Benefits: Provident Fund and gratuity for long-term security.
- Travel Allowances: Reimbursements for work-related travel.
- Flexible Roles: Options to work in auditing, taxation, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
- Global Opportunities: CAs are in demand worldwide, with lucrative packages abroad.
These benefits, combined with the average salary of a CA in India, make the profession financially and professionally rewarding.
Factors Affecting CA Salary in India
Several factors influence the salary of a CA in India per month:
- Experience: More years in the field lead to higher pay.
- Employer: Big Four firms and MNCs offer better packages than smaller firms.
- Location: Metro cities provide higher salaries and allowances.
- Specialization: Expertise in taxation, auditing, or financial advisory boosts earnings.
- Performance: Bonuses and promotions depend on individual contributions.
Conclusion
The CA salary in India is a testament to the profession’s prestige and demand. Starting at ₹50,000–₹75,000 per month, the earnings grow significantly with experience, reaching ₹4 lakh–₹16 lakh per month for senior professionals. Whether you’re eyeing the starting salary of a CA in India or dreaming of the highest salary of a CA in India, this career offers financial stability, growth, and unmatched respect.
From the CA articleship salary to the salary of the CA topper, every stage of the journey is rewarding. If you’re considering this path, rest assured that the average CA salary in India and its perks make it a career worth pursuing. For those asking, “CA ki salary kitni hoti hai?”- it’s not just about the money but the opportunities to shape businesses and economies.
