Chartered Accountant Salary in India 2026
The average Chartered Accountant salary in India is ₹8,00,000 per annum in 2026, ranging from ₹4,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 based on experience, company, skills, and location. Deloitte pays the highest at ₹8,00,000 - ₹25,00,000. Mumbai offers the best average at ₹9,00,000/year.
Key Takeaways — Chartered Accountant Salary 2026
- Average salary: ₹8,00,000/year in India
- Salary range: ₹4,00,000 (entry) to ₹25,00,000 (senior)
- Highest paying: Deloitte at ₹8,00,000 - ₹25,00,000
- Best city: Mumbai at ₹9,00,000/year average
- Top skills: Financial Reporting, Taxation, Audit, GST boost salary by 20-40%
Chartered Accountant Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest factor affecting Chartered Accountant salary in India. Here's how salary scales from fresher to senior level, based on market data from 2026.
Pro tip: Chartered Accountant professionals who switch companies every 2-3 years see 30-50% salary jumps compared to 8-15% annual increments at the same company.
Chartered Accountant Salary at Top Companies
Company choice significantly impacts salary. Product companies and MNCs typically pay 2-3x more than service companies for the same role and experience level.
Deloitte
Highest₹8,00,000 - ₹25,00,000
EY
₹7,50,000 - ₹22,00,000
KPMG
₹7,00,000 - ₹20,00,000
PwC
₹7,50,000 - ₹22,00,000
HDFC Bank
₹6,00,000 - ₹18,00,000
Chartered Accountant Salary by City
Location plays a key role in determining salary. Metro cities with higher cost of living and more tech companies offer 15-30% higher packages.
Skills That Boost Chartered Accountant Salary
Professionals with these in-demand skills earn 20-40% more than their peers. Include these in your resume to target higher-paying roles.
Resume tip: Include these skills in your resume's skills section AND naturally within your experience bullet points. ATS systems scan for keyword frequency and context.
How to Negotiate a Higher Chartered Accountant Salary
Most Chartered Accountant professionals leave 10-30% salary on the table by not negotiating. Here are proven strategies to maximize your offer.
Research before the interview
Use this salary data to know the market rate. If offered below ₹8,00,000, you have data to counter.
Never share your current salary first
When asked, redirect: 'I'm looking for a role in the range of X-Y based on my skills and market rates.' Let them make the first offer.
Negotiate the total package, not just base
Include joining bonus, annual bonus, stock options (ESOPs), relocation allowance, and notice period buyout in your negotiation.
Get competing offers
Having 2-3 offers gives you the strongest negotiating position. Companies will match or beat competing packages.
Time your job switch strategically
Switch during appraisal season (March-April) or after a strong performance review. Use your increment as leverage for a higher base at the new company.
Build high-demand skills
Skills like Financial Reporting, Taxation, Audit command premium salaries. Invest 6-12 months in upskilling before switching.
Common mistake: Accepting the first offer without negotiating. 87% of employers expect candidates to negotiate. You won't lose an offer by asking professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average CA salary in India?
The average CA salary in India is ₹8,00,000 per annum for newly qualified CAs. Big 4 firms offer ₹7-10 LPA for freshers, while industry roles can go up to ₹25+ LPA.
Which Big 4 pays the highest CA salary?
Deloitte typically offers the highest starting salaries for CAs in India, followed by PwC, EY, and KPMG. Packages range from ₹7-10 LPA for freshers.
How to increase CA salary?
Specialize in high-demand areas (transfer pricing, forensic accounting, IFRS), get additional certifications (CFA, CPA), transition to industry roles, or build your own practice.
Build Your Chartered Accountant Resume — Target Higher Salary
Get an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords, quantified achievements, and skills to land ₹25,00,000+ packages.