CA vs CFA Salary in India: Roles, and Career Growth
By upGrad
Updated on Jun 23, 2026 | 5 min read | 2.73K+ views
Share:
- Home
- Blog
- Management
- CA vs CFA Salary in India: Roles, and Career Growth
Table of Contents
View all
CA vs CFA Salary in India differs significantly, so does their path. However, both Chartered Accountants (CA) and CFA charter holders enjoy strong career prospects. Fresh CAs typically earn ₹6-15 LPA, with higher packages in top firms, especially in audit and taxation.
On the other hand, CFA professionals often see greater salary growth at mid-to-senior levels, particularly in investment banking, equity research, and portfolio management, where compensation can exceed ₹15–25 LPA over time.
Whether you choose the CA or CFA path, advancing into leadership and strategic decision-making roles often requires strong business and management expertise. Explore our Management Courses to develop the skills needed for senior positions in finance, consulting, operations, and corporate leadership.
Popular Management Programs
CA vs CFA Salary in India: Experience-Wise
Chartered Accountant in India’s average salary is ₹11.1L/yr-₹12.3L/yr, while CFA Salary typically ranges from ₹6.3L/yr-₹6.9L/yr. With a steady salary growth as they gain experience.
CA Salary Experience-wise
CA’s early career earnings start strong and rising significantly in senior roles. While averages remain consistent across ranges, especially in leadership positions, consulting, and high-demand financial domains.
Experience |
Salary Range |
Top 10% Earn |
Top 1% Earn |
| 0 – 1 year | ₹8.3 – ₹9.2 L/yr | ₹14 L/yr | ₹30 L/yr |
| 1 – 3 years | ₹8.6 – ₹9.5 L/yr | ₹13.4 L/yr | ₹43.7 L/yr |
| 3 – 6 years | ₹8.9 – ₹9.8 L/yr | ₹15.1 L/yr | ₹25.4 L/yr |
| 6 – 9 years | ₹10.4 – ₹11.5 L/yr | ₹18.5 L/yr | ₹34.3 L/yr |
| 9 – 12 years | ₹13.7 – ₹15.2 L/yr | ₹22 L/yr | ₹40 L/yr |
Source:AmbitionBox
CFA Salary Experience-wise
CFA’s entry-level salaries are moderate, while experienced professionals and top performers can achieve significantly higher compensation, especially in high-demand financial sectors.
Experience |
Salary Range |
Top 10% Earn |
Top 1% Earn |
| 1 – 3 years | ₹5.2 – ₹5.8 L/yr | ₹10.2 L/yr | ₹19 L/yr |
| 3 – 6 years | ₹6.7 – ₹7.4 L/yr | ₹12.6 L/yr | ₹23.2 L/yr |
| 6 – 9 years | ₹8.3 – ₹9.2 L/yr | ₹13.9 L/yr | ₹26.7 L/yr |
Source:AmbitionBox
CA vs CFA Salary in India (Industry-Wise Comparison)
CA vs CFA Salary in India differs significantly based on industry demand, specialization, and revenue impact. While CAs dominate compliance, audit, and taxation roles, CFA professionals earn more in investment-driven sectors. Industry choice plays a crucial role in determining salary growth, especially at mid- and senior levels.
Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary by Industry
Chartered Accountants earn higher salaries in IT services, consulting, and financial services, where complex financial operations are involved. Traditional audit and accounting sectors offer stable but comparatively moderate compensation.
Industry |
Salary Range |
| IT Services & Consulting | ₹13.5 – ₹15.0 L/yr |
| Financial Services | ₹13.2 – ₹14.6 L/yr |
| Management Consulting | ₹12.9 – ₹14.3 L/yr |
| Engineering & Construction | ₹10.9 – ₹12.0 L/yr |
| Accounting & Auditing | ₹9.3 – ₹10.3 L/yr |
Source: AmbitionBox
CFA (Financial Analyst) Salary by Industry
CFA professionals typically command higher salaries in fintech, internet companies, and investment firms. Roles in equity research, portfolio management, and investment banking drive stronger earning potential across industries.
Industry |
Salary Range |
| IT Services & Consulting | ₹4.9 – ₹5.4 L/yr |
| Financial Services | ₹6.6 – ₹7.3 L/yr |
| Analytics & KPO | ₹5.6 – ₹6.2 L/yr |
| Management Consulting | ₹6.8 – ₹7.5 L/yr |
| Software Product | ₹8.2 – ₹9.1 L/yr |
Source: AmbitionBox
Management Courses to upskill
Explore Management Courses for Career Progression
O.P. Jindal Global University
Masters in International Accounting and Finance (Accredited by ACCA, UK)Master's Degree12 Months
#3 NIRF India Rank 2023
Certification6 Months
CA vs CFA Salary in India (Location-Wise Comparison)
CA vs CFA Salary in India varies significantly by location due to differences in corporate presence, industry demand, and cost of living. Metro cities generally offer higher pay for both roles, but CFA professionals often see stronger growth in finance-centric hubs.
Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary by Location
Chartered Accountants earn higher salaries in major metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where large firms, consulting companies, and financial institutions create strong demand for audit and compliance expertise.
Location |
Salary Range |
| Bengaluru | ₹11.6 – ₹12.8 L/yr |
| Hyderabad | ₹11.1 – ₹12.2 L/yr |
| Mumbai | ₹11.0 – ₹12.2 L/yr |
| New Delhi | ₹10.6 – ₹11.7 L/yr |
| Ahmedabad | ₹8.7 – ₹9.6 L/yr |
Source: AmbitionBox
CFA (Financial Analyst) Salary by Location
CFA professionals typically earn higher salaries in financial hubs such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, where investment banking, equity research, and fintech roles are concentrated, driving stronger compensation growth opportunities.
Location |
Salary Range |
| Bengaluru | ₹6.8 – ₹7.5 L/yr |
| Pune | ₹5.5 – ₹6.1 L/yr |
| Mumbai | ₹5.9 – ₹6.5 L/yr |
| Hyderabad | ₹6.7 – ₹7.4 L/yr |
| New Delhi | ₹7.2 – ₹7.9 L/yr |
Source: AmbitionBox
CA vs CFA: Essential Skills Required for High Salary in India
Choosing between CA and CFA in India depends on the skills you build. Both demand analytical thinking, discipline, and financial expertise to unlock high-paying career opportunities in finance.
Skill Area |
Chartered Accountant (CA) |
CFA (Financial Analyst) |
| Core Expertise | Taxation, Audit, Accounting, Financial Reporting | Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Equity Research |
| Specialized Knowledge | Direct/Indirect Tax, M&A, Financial Due Diligence, Valuation | Financial Modeling, Valuation, Asset Management, Risk Mgmt |
| Technical Tools | SAP FICO, ERP systems, accounting automation tools | Excel, Python, R, data analytics tools |
| Analytical Focus | Compliance-driven financial analysis | Market-driven investment decision-making |
| Regulatory Knowledge | Indian tax laws, accounting standards, audit regulations | SEBI regulations, global financial markets rules |
| Key Strength Area | Financial control, reporting, compliance accuracy | Investment strategy, wealth creation, capital allocation |
| Soft Skills | Leadership, client handling, communication in audits | Research presentation, analytical communication, storytelling |
Explore courses from upGrad to enhance your CA & CFA skills:
Data Analysis Courses Online: Industry-focused programs teach Python, SQL, Excel, Tableau, and Power BIto build job-ready analytical skills for data-driven roles.
Financial Analysis Courses Online: Courses covering financial statements, ratio analysis, forecasting, valuation techniques, and Excel modeling for informed business and investment decision-making.
Free Digital Innovations in Financial System Course with Certificate: Learn fintech innovations including RBI sandbox, payments banks, and central bank technology applications in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.
Management Courses: Programs developing leadership, strategic management, product management, and AI skills through flexible learning options and expert-led global training.
Earned Value Management Certification: Certification covering project management basics, EVM concepts, and key metrics like PV, EV, and AC for performance tracking.
Free Intl. Business Environment Courses Online with Certificates: Learn globalization, international trade, and legal, political, and economic challenges affecting global business operations and decision-making.
Conclusion
Both CA and CFA offer strong career opportunities in India, but their value depends on the domain you choose. CA is better suited for careers in accounting, taxation, audit, and compliance, offering stable growth across corporate and consulting roles. CFA, on the other hand, is more aligned with investment banking, equity research, and portfolio management, where earning potential increases significantly at senior levels.
Ultimately, the better option depends on your career goals. CA for structured financial control roles and CFA for dynamic, investment-driven finance careers.
Ready to start your journey? Book a free consultation with upGrad Today, find the best path for your career.
Please go through the related Articles from upGrad:
- Average Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary in India: Eligibility, Job Roles, Salary & more
- CFA Exam 2026 Guide: Dates, Fees, Levels, and Eligibility
- MBA vs CFA: Difference Between MBA and CFA
- Top 10 Financial Analyst Skills: Key Abilities for a Successful Career
- What Is Financial Analytics? Meaning, Benefits, and Practical Uses
- Company Secretary Career Options in India
- Finance Free Online Course with Certification
- Corporate Tax: What is it & How It Works?
- Free Finance Certification Courses
- Stock Market Prediction Using Machine Learning [Step-by-Step Implementation
FAQs
1. Which has a higher salary in India, CA or CFA?
Both offer strong salaries, but CFA professionals often earn more in investment roles over time, while CAs enjoy stable earnings in audit, taxation, and compliance, especially in reputed firms and senior corporate positions.
2. What is the starting salary of a CA in India?
Fresh Chartered Accountants in India typically earn between ₹6–15 LPA, depending on the firm. Big 4 companies and top corporates usually offer higher packages compared to mid-sized firms or independent practice roles.
3. What is the starting salary of a CFA in India?
Entry-level CFA professionals or financial analysts usually earn around ₹5–8 LPA in India. Salaries increase significantly with experience, especially in investment banking, equity research, and portfolio management roles.
4. Which career has better growth, CA or CFA?
CA offers steady and structured growth in accounting and compliance fields, while CFA provides faster salary escalation in investment-driven roles like asset management, equity research, and financial consulting at senior levels.
5. Is CA more difficult than CFA?
CA is generally considered more challenging due to its pass rates and extensive syllabus in taxation and auditing. CFA requires deep conceptual understanding of finance but is structured differently across three levels.
6. Can CA work in investment banking like CFA?
Yes, CAs can enter investment banking roles, especially with additional financial modeling skills. However, CFA professionals have a more direct pathway into equity research, portfolio management, and capital market roles.
7. Which is better for government jobs, CA or CFA?
CA is more relevant for government and PSU roles involving audit, taxation, and finance. CFA is mainly focused on private sector roles in investment banking and financial markets rather than government positions.
8. What are the top industries hiring CAs in India?
Top industries for CAs include financial services, IT consulting, management consulting, manufacturing, and accounting firms. These sectors require expertise in compliance, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting functions.
9. What are the top industries hiring CFA professionals in India?
CFA professionals are highly demanded in investment banking, fintech, asset management, equity research, and corporate finance roles, where analytical skills and financial modeling expertise are highly valued.
10. Which course is better for high salary, CA or CFA?
CFA generally offers higher long-term salary potential in finance-driven roles, while CA provides stable and consistent earnings. The “better” course depends on whether you prefer investment or accounting careers.
11. Can I pursue both CA and CFA together?
Yes, many students pursue both career flexibility. CA provides strong accounting fundamentals, while CFA adds investment expertise, making candidates highly competitive in corporate finance and financial advisory roles.
926 articles published
We are an online education platform providing industry-relevant programs for professionals, designed and delivered in collaboration with world-class faculty and businesses. Merging the latest technolo...
Get Free Consultation
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
Top Resources
Recommended Programs
Certification
3 Months
bestseller
Certification
6 Months
new course
O.P. Jindal Global University
Masters in International Accounting and Finance (Accredited by ACCA, UK)Master's Degree
12 Months