CA Salary Level-wise Breakdown - Freshers to Experienced!

One of the well-recognized and respected financial professions, the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation offers you various skills. CA professionals demonstrate technical skills, client relationships, leadership ability, and industry specialization.

As a CA-certified individual, your salary in India depends on different factors. These factors influence a CA fresher's salary so, before we explore them, let's discuss the salary breakdown on three different levels.

CA Salary Breakdown by Educational Level

To learn about the average chartered accountant salary, you have to know about the different levels of CA. The three educational levels influence the CA's monthly salary and establish their depth in the financial industry.

Level 1: Foundation

After completion of CA Level 1, many certified professionals apply for job opportunities. The professional doesn't need to have any experience because this is the first stage of the Chartered Accountancy course. The preparation is significant because it is your entrance test for your CA foundation certification. Additionally, check out the CA syllabus breakdown, which includes principles of business law, economics, and accounting. To learn about the CA accountant salary, you have to understand the skills that you offer to firms and companies. You will not receive any salary at the foundation level; however, stipend pay for internships is offered. Furthermore, you might also get optional part-time jobs in finance-related positions.

Level 2: Intermediate

This is an intermediate level of the CA course where students learn advanced concepts and explore auditing, taxation, laws, and accountancy. The CA Level 2 Salary is higher because it provides more practical experience in the financial world. The technical knowledge acquired at level 1 can be practically applied in the core areas. Taxation, cost accounting, and corporate law are part of the CA syllabus, furthermore if you want to know more, read the CA Course & Syllabus details. At this level, you are now eligible to apply for various paid positions. You can get a stipend during your articleship from INR 7000 to INR 15000 monthly. Another possibility of work is that you can apply for a job after giving the intermediate exam, and yet, you have not received the certification. You will earn a salary of INR 2 to INR 5 LPA at firms and entry-level KPOs. 

Level 3: Final

The most challenging phase of the CA exam is the final level. The topics that this level guides students are international taxation, strategic cost management, and financial reporting. With this level of CA, you get to develop skills with which you can manage real-world business problems. To become a professional Chartered Accountant, you have to seek the right guidance thus, starting the CA career. Additionally, it is identified as the second phase of the course where you develop your knowledge and skills into managing world finance, corporate governance, and risks. All final year candidates can apply for job offers and internships now. Once they are done with their exam, even before they receive their certification, they can start appearing for interviews for firms and multinational companies.

The starting salary of a Chartered Accountant fresher ranges between INR 5 - 8 LPA, depending on the company. Read the tabular form to learn about the educational level, job positions, and the salary, concluding on all levels.

CA Educational Level	Job Positions	Salary
CA Foundation	Internships	No salary Stipend
CA Intermediate	Articleship After Inter Exam (entry-level KPOs, firms)	INR 7000 - 15000 monthly INR 2 - 5 LPA
CA Final	Internship (final year) New Job (depending on firm)	INR 2 - 5 LPA INR 5 - 8 LPA

 

Factors Influencing CA Salary All Levels - Experience Wise 

After the qualification of CA is completed, here is the detailed salary breakdown based on the experience of professionals. The earning potential will evolve with increasing experience, and accordingly, the demand among the multinational companies has also increased.

CA Career Level	Work Experience	Salary Range (India)	Companies	Job Roles
Level 1 (fresher)	0 - 3 years	INR 6 -INR 12 LPA	Big 4 (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte) Startups & Mid-sized firms Indian Corporates (Aditya Birla, Reliance, Tata)	Tax consultant Audit Associate Analyst
Level 2 (Mid-Level Chartered Accountant)	3- 7 years	INR 12-INR 25 LPA	Consulting firms (BDO, Grant Thornton, Protiviti) MNCs (Google, Amazon, Unilever)	Finance Manager AVP Senior Analyst
Level 3 (Senior-Level Chartered Accountant)	8+ years	INR 25 - INR 70 LPA	Global Investment banks Big 4 at Partner and director levels Fortune 500 companies	CA Firm partner VP finance CFO

 

How to Become a High-Paying CA Official in 2025?

After 12th Commerce, if you have to become a CA, by qualifying and clear CA exams with minimum attempts. By making strategic career choices, CA officials’ technical expertise and soft skills are combined effectively.

A qualified CA fresher should join a good articleship firm and work effectively to improve their communication skills. Networking is another effective way of becoming a high-paying official by attending associations and events, along with participating in online webinars.

Obtaining certifications like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) will boost your career prospects. In 2025, automation, data analytics tools, and accounting software are integral parts of the financial industry; thus, CA officials are valued in the current landscape.

Ready to Qualify in CA Exams?

The financial growth of India is supported by Chartered accountants (CAs), as they are the backbone. The professionals bring financial integrity to the economy of the country; hence, the position is respected and recognized.

Your salary as a CA professional is dependent on the three CA levels. Considering the skills include ensuring compliance, financial guidance to firms, along with ever-changing tax rules. Are you ready to apply for high–paying jobs? Comment below to share.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I become a CA?

After completing 12th grade, you have to pursue a CA course and complete the certification within 4 to 5 years. 71% of CA employees study at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Can CA Inter candidates get jobs?

Yes, CA Inter candidates can find jobs in different industries like audit, KPOs, and accounting. The average starting salary of CA freshers ranges from INR 2 - 5 LPA.

Can a CA start their own practice after 3-5 years?

Yes, CA can start their own practice after 3 to 5 years of work experience. This will help you in building an effective network confidently, thus attracting clients.

Which skills help increase a CA fresher’s salary?

You have skills like financial modeling, communication, Excel, taxation, and SAP, which will significantly help you increase a CA fresher’s salary. Your prospects and salary offers improve.

Can a CA become a CFO without an MBA?

Yes, CA can become a CFA based on industry experience, leadership, and finance expertise. However, additionally, doing an MBA will enhance your strategic knowledge.