By IIC Lakshya
28 Aug 2025
CMA INDIA
Two distinct professional certifications, CMA (Certified Management Accountant) India and the USA, are designed to acquire knowledge and learn skills for financial management. If you are wondering about which pays more, you have to read the blog.
With unique requirements and benefits, CMA US vs CMA India salaries differ on different levels. To know more about who earns more, you also need to know the different factors of the certifications. As certified professionals, freshers should understand the differences and accordingly make the right decision.
The certification CMA USA is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is globally recognized. Individuals as finance professionals are making smart choices with choosing the CMA USA. You have to be quite in-depth in the following aspects to pass the CMA exam:
To learn how the CMA jobs in the USA with salary are determined, especially considering its global demand, you have to understand the depth of skills. The designation of CMA USA can be used to demonstrate expertise. As a candidate, you have to develop knowledge in some of the following common topics:
Another professional certification, the Indian CMA, is offered by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI). CMA is quite high in demand in India these days! If you are an individual in India who is pursuing this course to get certified, you have to pass the following three levels:
The certification course has been designed so that the candidate will develop knowledge in some of these core topics. The CMA average salary in India can be determined based on how significant it is for employees working in the field of cost and management accounting. The topics are:
Now that you know about the courses, let us learn about the fresher CMA Salary in India and the US to understand the significance of the certifications. Based on their demand and recognition by organizations, you develop an understanding of the competitiveness of the salary.
After graduation, you will decide on choosing CMA USA or CMA India after you learn about these levels. Read below the tabular form of the key factors comparison:
Level of Employment |
CMA India |
CMA USA |
Fresher |
INR 4 - 8 LPA |
INR 6 - 12 LPA (INR 10 - 20 LPA in MNCs or abroad) |
Mid-level |
INR 8 - 15 LPA |
INR 15 - 30 LPA |
Senior-level |
INR 18 - 35 LPA |
INR 30 - 60 LPA (more in Europe/ US) |
There are various factors that influence the US CMA vs India CMA salary. These qualifications help you in your career big time! Are you ready to negotiate your salary with big firms and organizations?
It is due to your expertise in management, cost, and accounting that increases your valuation. Read about the key differences between CMA India and CMA US:
Key Differences |
US CMA |
CMA India |
Duration |
7-9 months |
3 years |
Course fees |
INR 65,000 - 1,00,000 |
INR 55,000 |
Board |
IMA |
ICAI |
Recognition |
Global |
Only India |
In conclusion, both certifications, CMA India and CMA US, are respectable and demonstrate expertise in financial analysis, planning, control, professional ethics, and decision support. US CMA is, however, more expensive than CMA India.
Both courses are widely accepted, offering you various opportunities in multinational companies. So, which one are you preparing for and why? Comments down below.
There is no guarantee of a salary hike in CMA USA; however, it does enhance the skills of CMA-certified professionals with opportunities in India or abroad.
If you want to compare mid-career level, CMA India professionals can earn between INR 10 - 18 LPA with 4 to 7 years of experience. At the same time, CMA MSA professionals can earn from INR 15 - 30 LPA in India and abroad with similar work experience.
Big 4 firms do hire from both certified candidates; however, they prefer CMA USA candidates due to their skills in global finance, FP&A, and international reporting.
Industries that offer better pay to CMA India are manufacturing, cost audit, FMCG, and PSUs. Additionally, CMA USA certified professionals receive higher pay in industries like financial services, global accounting firms, and consulting IT.
Yes, you can earn a global-level salary in India, especially if you are working in multinational corporations like the Big 4s and tech firms.