How Much Does a CA Earn After 10 Years of Experience? | Detailed Salary Insights for 2025
If you’re planning a career in finance or already walking the path of a Chartered Accountant (CA), one of the biggest questions on your mind must be—how much does a CA earn after 10 years of experience?
In this in-depth blog post, we’ll uncover the true earning potential of a Chartered Accountant with a decade of experience. We’ll explore different career paths, job profiles, industries, and geographical factors that influence their income. Whether you're a CA aspirant, a finance student, or a working professional, this post will give you clear and updated insights into CA salaries in India and abroad.
Who is a Chartered Accountant (CA)?
A Chartered Accountant is a qualified accounting professional authorized to manage financial accounts, audits, taxation, compliance, and business finances. In India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the body that governs and certifies CAs.
After 10 years of experience, a CA is no longer a beginner—they are considered a seasoned professional and often hold senior-level roles like Finance Manager, Financial Controller, CFO (Chief Financial Officer), Audit Head, or even independent consultants or firm owners.
Average Salary of a CA with 10 Years of Experience
On average, a Chartered Accountant with 10 years of experience in India earns between ₹20 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs per annum. However, this range can vary significantly based on:
- Industry
- Location
- Company size
- Designation
- Specialized skills
- International exposure
Let’s break down the salary factors in detail.
Factors That Affect CA Salaries After 10 Years
1. Industry and Sector
Different sectors pay differently based on the complexity of work and financial volume. Here's a look at some high-paying industries:
| Industry | Average Salary (₹/year) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banking & Finance | ₹35 – ₹60 lakhs |
| FMCG & Manufacturing | ₹25 – ₹40 lakhs |
| IT & Technology | ₹22 – ₹35 lakhs |
| Audit & Taxation Firms | ₹20 – ₹30 lakhs |
| Real Estate & Infrastructure | ₹25 – ₹45 lakhs |
| Consulting & Advisory | ₹30 – ₹50 lakhs |
2. Company Size and Brand Value
A CA working at a top-tier company like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Tata, Infosys, HUL, or Reliance may earn significantly more than one at a mid-sized firm. These companies not only offer high CTCs but also provide bonuses, ESOPs, and international assignments.
3. Location Matters
Your location also plays a huge role in determining your salary. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad tend to offer higher salaries than Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
| City | Average Salary After 10 Years |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹35 – ₹55 lakhs |
| Delhi NCR | ₹30 – ₹50 lakhs |
| Bangalore | ₹28 – ₹48 lakhs |
| Hyderabad | ₹25 – ₹45 lakhs |
| Ahmedabad | ₹20 – ₹35 lakhs |
4. Designation and Responsibilities
Here are typical designations held by CAs with 10+ years experience:
- Senior Finance Manager – ₹30–40 LPA
- Financial Controller – ₹35–50 LPA
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – ₹50+ LPA
- Head of Internal Audit – ₹35–45 LPA
- Partner in CA Firm – ₹50 LPA to ₹1 crore+
Government vs Private Sector Salary for CA
CAs in the private sector generally earn more than those in government roles, though government jobs offer job security and pension.
| Sector | Average Salary After 10 Years |
|---|---|
| Government PSU | ₹15 – ₹25 lakhs |
| Private Sector | ₹25 – ₹60 lakhs |
International Salaries for CA After 10 Years
If you have international exposure or certifications like CPA, ACCA, or CIMA, your global earning potential increases dramatically.
| Country | Average Salary (USD/year) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | $80,000 – $150,000 | ₹66–₹125 lakhs |
| UK | $90,000 – $140,000 | ₹74–₹115 lakhs |
| Canada | $85,000 – $130,000 | ₹70–₹105 lakhs |
| USA (CPA + CA) | $100,000 – $200,000 | ₹82–₹165 lakhs |
Freelance and Practice Earnings After 10 Years
Many CAs start their own practice or consultancy firm. Their income is not fixed but can grow exponentially with time and reputation.
- Mid-level Practice Firm: ₹30–₹80 lakhs annually
- High-Reputation Practice: ₹1 crore+ annually
- GST, Audit & Taxation Projects: ₹10–₹50 lakhs project-based
Skills That Boost a CA’s Salary
To maximize income potential after 10 years, CAs often upgrade their skills:
- IFRS & IND-AS Certification
- Financial Modeling & Valuation
- M&A, Due Diligence Expertise
- Data Analytics for Finance
- ERP (SAP, Oracle) Knowledge
- MBA in Finance or CFA (for corporate roles)
Career Growth Path for a CA Over 10 Years
Here’s how a typical CA’s career may evolve over a decade:
- 0–2 years: Articleship and early job roles (₹7–₹10 LPA)
- 2–5 years: Assistant Manager / Finance Analyst (₹10–₹15 LPA)
- 5–7 years: Finance Manager / Audit Manager (₹15–₹25 LPA)
- 7–10 years: Senior Manager / Controller / Independent Consultant (₹25–₹40 LPA)
- 10+ years: CFO / Partner / Firm Owner (₹40 LPA to ₹1 crore+)
Can a CA Earn More Than ₹1 Crore?
Yes! With the right mix of:
- Strategic career moves
- Continuous learning
- International exposure
- Building a strong client base
- Growing your own firm
A CA can easily cross ₹1 crore per year, especially in roles like:
- CFO of a listed company
- Partner in Big 4 or reputed CA firm
- Founder of a successful financial consultancy
Final Thoughts: Is CA a High Paying Career After 10 Years?
Absolutely. A CA with 10 years of experience enjoys financial stability, respect, and global opportunities. If you continuously upskill, specialize, and build your network, your salary potential is not just high—it’s limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the highest salary of a CA after 10 years?
The highest salary of a CA after 10 years can go beyond ₹1 crore per annum, especially for CFOs, senior partners, and international professionals.
2. Which companies pay the highest to CAs in India?
Top-paying companies include Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, Reliance Industries, Tata Group, Amazon, Google, and HUL.
3. Do CAs earn more in practice or in jobs?
Both have potential. A successful practice may yield higher long-term income, but jobs offer stability and predictable growth.
4. Can I earn in dollars as an Indian CA?
Yes. Many Indian CAs work abroad or take freelance/remote roles with global firms and earn in dollars.
5. Is 10 years enough to become a CFO?
Yes, if you have the right exposure, leadership skills, and track record, many professionals become CFOs in 10–15 years.
Ready to Build a High-Paying CA Career?
If you’re a CA or a student working toward this goal, now is the best time to sharpen your skills, build your network, and explore high-growth industries. The world of finance is full of opportunities—you just need to be ready.
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