CPA Salary in India & USA: Average to Highest (2025)

Why Understanding CPA Salary Trends Matters in 2025?

The US Certified Public Accountant is slowly yet steadily gaining popularity as a global accounting profession. While most students might be aware of this course, very few understand the job responsibilities, scope, and pay scale they may achieve after finally completing the course. Well, in that case, we assure you that once you’re equipped with these details, there’s no going back to considering any regular accounting course. 

Gaining a US CPA license is no easy task, but rest assured, it’s undoubtedly the most prestigious one that will allow you to become a Chartered Public Accountant of the US. However, before you embark on this challenging journey, you would want to know about the compensation and benefits this profession might bring you, whether you wish to work in India or the US. Based on different factors such as location, experience, job profile, industry and the country you wish to work in, here is the salary differentiation you can expect.

In India, INR 6,93,985 is the average salary pa for a CPA, as per Payscale.com. In many cities like Mumbai, the salary can go as high as 20.5 LPA. As per Glassdoor, the average CPA salary is $69K–$1L/yr (USD). This figure was derived from 360 salaries reported and updated on 10 Feb 2025. These average salaries, however, are affected by different factors.

The CPA certification is a globally recognised credential that opens doors to high-paying roles in accounting. This blog dives into the average to highest CPA salaries in India and the USA for 2025, along with the factors that affect them.

CPA Salary Based on Job Profile

Since Certified Public Accountant is an advanced accounting profession, there are several career opportunities to explore based on your level of expertise. Some of the most preferred career options after successfully completing a US CPA are Tax Advisory and Planning, Auditing Services, Management and Consulting Services, Forensic Accounting, Financial Reporting, etc. Here’s a glimpse into the salaries offered to US CPAs based on the profession they choose.

Got Questions Regarding CPA Salary?

Click Here for a Free Counselling Session

US CPA Salary in India Based on Job Profile 

Source 

US CPA Salaries in The US Based on Job Profile

Source

CPA Salaries for Freshers in India

An entry-level or fresher CPA earns around 6 lakhs per annum in India, i.e., about 50,000 rs per month. In metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, etc., the average salary can go as high as 13.8 Lakhs per annum, and can also vary from company to company. If you join a Big 4 MNC, a qualified CPA salary can be in the range of 12.5 lakh per annum to 23 lakh per annum.

CPA Salary Based on Location:

A better location ensures better access for both the company and the employee. Thus, living and working in a prime location comes with remuneration benefits. This puts a stamp on the fact that the bigger the city, the better the median salary for a CPA. A proficient location also offers better access to opportunities and better living standards, which adds up to job satisfaction.

Salaries based on location are heavily dependent on how well the country’s economy is doing. Countries that are economically strong tend to have a huge requirement for financial professionals and are ready to welcome them with attractive salaries. However, before you choose the country you wish to work in, also consider the standard of living. 

CPA Salary Based on Experience:

As you gain experience, the pay increases considerably. Most of the time, your experience and expertise become the key factor in determining the pay. Hence, the more responsibilities you handle, the higher the salary withdrawn. To climb up the corporate ladder, along with work experience, several candidates also prefer taking up short courses to gain a salary hike.

US CPA Salary in India Based on Experience

Source

Salary Package Achieved in the US Based on Experience

Source

CPA Salary Based on Industry

Factually, Certified Public Accountants earn more than non-certified ones. As specified above, they can work in auditing, taxation, assurance, and advisory fields in the Big Four, accredited international firms, and other local firms.

The more in-trend an industry is, the more pay you receive. After the pandemic, there are certain industries that are gaining more popularity than the others, such as food, healthcare, and EdTech. Here are some of the top industries hiring US CPAs.

US CPA Salary in India based on industry 

US CPA Salary in the US based on industry 

Source

CPA Salary based on Company Size

The company size also plays an important role in deciding the opportunities you might gain to better your salary. An MNC or any other large company might have multiple growth options depending on the hierarchy, departments, and responsibilities available. On the other hand, working for a small or medium-sized company would ensure that you’d be a part of the major financial decisions taken by the company and would receive more exposure and learning opportunities.

Company-wise differentiation of US CPA salary in India

Company-wise differentiation of US CPA salary in the US

Source

Zell Education’s Role in Your CPA Journey

Preparing for the CPA examination is going to take some high-level preparation. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is one of the top regulatory bodies of CPA that provides great preparatory courses to help students prepare well for the examinations. The CAs in India can also take the certification program to add to their credentials.

Other than that, Zell Education provides specialised courses to guarantee great preparation and guidance through their advanced bestseller courses in different batches and test series. Moreover, there are so many free online resources available online, which can help students steer their planning in the right direction. 

Cracking the CPA examination and becoming one is not simple, but it’s worth it in terms of benefits and payout. Zell Education is committed to making US CPA preparation much more effective, helping one withdraw their dream salary from their desired designation. The journey might be difficult, but with the right guidance and apt consistency, it will become a cakewalk in no time, giving a settled, esteemed, and successful life to anyone who pursues the noble position.

The US CPA qualification is recognised worldwide and can open doors to opportunities in Europe, Asia, and North America. If you are an accounting professional looking to boost your career or just curious to learn about the course, we suggest you check out our Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course to learn more.

Planning to Pursue CPA Accounting Career?

Click Here

To Book Your Free Counselling Session

Conclusion

In 2025, the US CPA continues to be one of the most rewarding certifications for accounting professionals, both in terms of prestige and pay. Whether you’re starting out or looking to upgrade your career, the CPA certification offers unmatched global mobility, higher salary potential, and access to top-tier roles in various industries. With focused preparation and guidance, your CPA journey can pave the way for long-term financial and professional growth.

FAQs on CPA Salary in India & USA

What is the average salary of a US CPA in India?

The average salary for a US CPA in India is strong, ranging from ₹8 to ₹12 lakh per year for freshers. With experience, you can expect to earn ₹15 to ₹25 lakh or more. This makes it a very rewarding career choice.

How much can a CPA earn in the USA with experience?

With experience, a CPA in the USA can earn very well. Senior CPAs and managers often make over $100,000, and those in leadership roles or top firms can earn $150,000 or more, making it a very rewarding career.

Is there strong demand and career scope for US CPAs in India?

Yes, the demand and career scope for US CPAs in India are booming! With more global companies and MNCs operating in India, your expertise in US accounting standards is highly valued, opening up many rewarding opportunities.

Do Big 4 firms actively hire CPA professionals in India?

Yes, the Big 4 firms actively hire US CPA professionals in India. Their global presence means they highly value expertise in international accounting standards.

Can Indian CPA holders get jobs or transfer to the USA?

An Indian CA certification is not directly recognised for public practice in the USA. To work there as a CPA, you must pass the US CPA exam and fulfil all state-specific education and experience licensing requirements. It’s an excellent path for global mobility.

What is the salary of a CPA at Deloitte India?

Salaries for a CPA at Deloitte India are quite competitive. They can range from around ₹8 lakh for new professionals to well over ₹20 lakh with more experience and seniority.

Who earns more on average: a CA or a US CPA in India?

When starting out in India, a CA and a US CPA often earn a similar salary. However, with experience, a US CPA often has a higher earning potential, especially in multinational companies that follow international accounting standards.

Anant Bengani, brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and a leading figure in finance and accounting education. He’s dedicated to empowering learners with the finest financial knowledge and skills.