Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs) generally command higher salaries than Chartered Accountants (CAs), particularly in global finance and investment management roles. While CAs have strong, steady earning potential in auditing and taxation, the specialization of CFA charterholders leads to higher average compensation, often exceeding $180,000 internationally and higher upper-end salaries in India.
Which is more difficult to finish, the CFA or the CA? CA has lower Indian pass rates (~11–20%), more levels, and training requirements. Although the CFA exams are difficult, the pass rates are higher (about 30 to 50%) and the schedule is more flexible.
CPA vs CFA
More specifically, the CFA focuses on financial matters related to investments, risk management, and strategy. The CPA plays an important role in ensuring compliance, financial transparency, and strategic decision-making and also has a much broader scope of knowledge.
The coveted role of a CFA typically earns a substantial salary, with a base pay of about $90,000 and make up to $180,000 not including bonuses, profit sharing, and other benefits.
You'll need to complete the required education, gain relevant work experience, and pass all necessary exams. The entire process can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years, depending on how quickly you fulfill the experience and education requirements.
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.
Doing CFA after CA brings significant financial rewards with an additional knowledge base, professional growth, and a strong global network. This dual combination complements each other by enabling professionals to reach new heights in their careers.
CFA Exams Pass Rates
The CFA exams are perhaps the most challenging exams out there. They are often referred to as “bar none” the toughest exams—even harder than medical school or law school exams—with pass rates that hover around 50% and were much lower during the recent pandemic.
Is a CFA job stressful? Finance roles are typically associated with high demands, tight schedules, and intricate decision-making and are inherently demanding. Yet, most professionals love the job and are at home in high-stress situations.
Mature markets like the U.S. and the UK provide high CFA average salaries, while emerging markets like India and the UAE offer rapid career growth and regional leadership roles. Look for CFA careers in countries that combine low CFA density with high investment inflow, e.g., UAE, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
Average Age of CFA Candidates
Although many candidates are in their late twenties or early thirties, the Program has a wide age range. Many begin at 35, 40, or even 50. Some of the most thoughtful, determined candidates are the ones who start later. Experience is not a burden.
Is CFA tougher than CA? A: The CFA and CA (Chartered Accountant) qualifications have different focuses and challenges. While both are demanding, many find CA to be more rigorous due to its extensive practical training and exams.
The 10th and 90th percentiles were removed from the report because we have added scale scores. Scale scores add more precision to your results interpretation. The 10th and 90th percentiles only provide a comparison of your result against other candidates in the same administration.
To be in the top 10% of earners in California, you need to make $341,276, according to Yahoo Finance. In 2024, the pre-tax salary required to be in California's top 1% of earners is $1.1 million, according to GoBankingRates.com.