The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is generally the highest-paying, most versatile accounting qualification, with salaries ranging from $82,000 to over $129,000, often exceeding $130,000 at top firms. Other top-paying certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) ($76,000–$133,000) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) ($126,000–$177,000).
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Salaries for CPAs range from $82,000 to $129,000, CMAs earn between $76,000 and $133,000, while CFAs can make $126,000 to $177,000. Each certification offers unique advantages tailored to different career goals within the finance and accounting sectors.
A CPA's average annual compensation throughout the course of their career is around $120,000, while a CMA's typical annual salary is around $100,000.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
The ACCA qualification is globally recognised and designed for individuals pursuing a career in accounting, auditing, tax, or financial management. It's known for its flexibility and international appeal.
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ACCA pay in India varies based on years of experience and the most sought, from INR 6.4 LPA to INR 16.7 LPA. In India, the pay for a CPA professional can vary between INR 5.9 LPA (less than one year of experience) to INR 24 LPA (ten to nineteen years of expertise).
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.
Statistics show that CPAs earn a 10 to 15 percent higher salary than regular accountants, and that over their entire lifetimes, CPAs can expect to earn $1 million more than their non-CPA counterparts — even when working in the same position.
According to the BLS, accountants and auditors earn an average annual salary of $90,780 as of May 2023. However, the salary range is wide: accountants and auditors in the lowest 10% earn less than $50,440 per year, while those in the top 10% earn more than $137,280 per year, according to the BLS.
Comparison between CA and CPA
It is difficult to determine which of these professions offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can vary greatly based on several factors. However, in general, CAs tend to earn slightly more than CPAs in India.
The CPA credential remains a cornerstone of the profession, but new data indicate its prominence is steadily declining. Between 2020 and 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses across all firms dropped from 56.0 percent to 48.4 percent.
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The Top Accounting Certifications in the United States
While a CPA shows mastery in foundational accounting skills, a master's degree shows you're driven to gain new skills that will directly benefit an organization. The combination can help you stand out from the crowd. Accounting positions, especially at top public accounting firms, can be incredibly competitive.