Once you have decided to pursue CMA, the next question is: What is the CMA salary in India? The role of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in the Indian business world is essential. Be it a growing start-up, a large manufacturer, or the public sector units, all require individuals to help them manage costs, handle budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations.
This is where CMAs step in, turning financial data into insights that enable the top management to make better decisions. The average salary of CMA in India is around ₹7- ₹8 LPA. The salary of a fresh graduate is usually ₹4 – ₹5 LPA, and those with 5 or more years of experience might earn more than ₹12 LPA.
Through this blog, we have discussed the CMA salary in India in detail, both at the entry-level and senior level. Also, the factors that influence the compensation, the CMA’s key responsibilities, and how salaries differ across industries and cities.
Table of Contents:
What is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA)?
A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is an internationally respected, professionally accredited designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). This certification is offered to finance and accounting professionals who demonstrate high-level skills in financial planning, record-keeping, analysis, control, and decision support, as well as professional ethics.
As compared to other traditional certifications in public accounting, which are aimed at reporting and auditing activities, CMA takes a different approach since it is focused on internal management accounting by assisting organizations to make strategic decisions, improve performance, and create value. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or any relevant field and have two years of relevant experience. They must also clear a detailed two-part exam on financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, strategic financial management, risk management, internal controls, and technology.
CMAs tend to work as financial analysts, chief financial officers, controllers, or strategic planners in companies, start-ups, non-profit, and state agencies. They combine both the skills of an accountant and those of a strategist, making it possible to make data-driven calls about investment, pricing, budgeting, and risk. CMA certification is acknowledged in more than 150 countries, which makes it a supplement to any other certification, and it is especially preferred in multinational corporations that require a professional capable of translating financial information into business knowledge.
Key Responsibilities of a Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
CMAs occupy positions in the field of finance, management, and accounting. They have a significant role in strengthening the financial health of a company through planning, analysis, and control. The most important tasks are the following:
1. Financial Planning and Budgeting
CMAs help develop budgets and forecasts at an organizational level. They also observe the difference between actual performance and the plan and give the management recommendations on how it can keep track of or improve.
2. Financial Reporting
CMAs review and prepare financial reports and statements. They ensure accuracy, compliance, and usefulness for internal decision-making.
3. Cost Management
They examine the costs of production and operation, the areas of inefficiency, and indicate how these costs can be reduced without compromising the quality. They understand the cost-volume-profit relationship and how it impacts decision-making.
4. Financial Analysis
They analyze financial data in order to judge performance, identify trends, and facilitate decisions. This includes ratio analysis, variance analysis, and profitability analysis.
5. Strategic Planning
CMAs help in business planning of the long term. The insights they have on finances are beneficial in setting goals, analyzing investment opportunities, and directing strategies.
6. Internal Auditing
Some CMAs participate in internal auditing to make sure that financial processes are productive, efficient, compliant, and secure.
7. Risk Management
They identify financial risks and suggest ways to control or mitigate them. CMAs are also useful in designing internal controls that can be used to avert fraud, errors, or violations of regulations.
CMA Salary in India by Experience Level
The CMA average salary in India varies based on experience level, but generally ranges from ₹3 – ₹30 LPA and above. Freshers can expect to earn something between ₹3 – ₹6 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn significantly more.
Below is a more detailed breakdown:
1. Entry-Level Roles (0 – 2 Years)
Generally, a CMA fresher’s salary in India is between ₹3 – ₹6 LPA. They often start as junior analysts or staff accountants, performing month-end close, budgeting, and cost analysis.
2. Mid-Level Roles (3 – 7 Years)
CMAs progress to assistant controller or finance manager roles after 3-7 years. In this role, their main responsibilities include overseeing teams, crafting internal controls, and advising executives. Their salary typically ranges between ₹6 – ₹12 LPA.
3. Senior-Level Roles (8+ Years)
CMAs having more than 8 years of experience can get promoted to VP of Finance or CFO positions, leading financial strategy and guiding company-wide initiatives. The average salary can be between ₹15 – ₹30 LPA and above.
CMA Salary in India by Job Role
There is a great demand for CMAs in the accounting and finance industries for their management and strategic decision-making skills. The CMA starting salary in India can differ extensively based on the specific job role.
Job Role |
Average Salary Range (Approximately) |
Accountant |
₹3 – ₹8 LPA |
Financial Analyst |
₹6.5 – ₹12 LPA |
Management Accounting Analyst |
₹5 – ₹10 LPA |
Senior Financial Analyst |
₹10 – ₹18 LPA |
Finance Manager |
₹11 – ₹16.5 LPA |
Taxation Manager |
₹7 – ₹15 LPA |
Internal Auditor |
₹5 – ₹10 LPA |
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) |
₹20 – ₹40 LPA and above |
Senior Finance Manager |
₹17 – ₹21 LPA and above |
Financial Consultant |
₹7 – ₹10 LPA and above |
CMA Salary in India by Industry
Every industry offers different salaries to CMAs. Generally, salary ranges between ₹3- ₹25 LPA, with higher packages offered by industries like banking and financial services, IT and Technology, and consulting.
Industry Type |
Average Salary Range (Approximately) |
Banking and Finance |
₹8 – ₹25 LPA |
IT and Technology |
₹10 – ₹22 LPA |
Retail and E-Commerce |
₹5 – ₹12 LPA |
Consulting Firms |
₹7 – ₹20 LPA |
Manufacturing and FMCG |
₹8 – ₹18 LPA |
Oil/Gas |
₹6 – ₹20 LPA |
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals |
₹10 – ₹22 LPA |
Public Sector and Government Jobs |
₹6 – ₹12 LPA |
CMA Salary in Different Cities of India
The city you are working in significantly impacts your salary. Companies located in tier-1 cities like Bangalore and Mumbai usually offer higher salaries compared to Chennai or Jaipur due to the higher cost of living.
The table below highlights the average annual salary offered to freshers in major cities of India:
City Name |
Average Salary Range (Approximately) |
Mumbai | ₹9 – ₹15 LPA |
Delhi | ₹8 – ₹11 LPA |
Chennai | ₹8 – ₹10 LPA |
Pune | ₹7 – ₹10 LPA |
Bangalore | ₹10 – ₹12 LPA |
Hyderabad | ₹6 – ₹9 LPA |
Jaipur | ₹6 – ₹9 LPA |
Kolkata | ₹6 – ₹9 LPA |
Ahmedabad | ₹3 – ₹11 LPA |
CMA Salary Per Month in India
The CMA salary in India per month differs based on the candidate’s experience level, skills, job role, and specific industry and company. Generally, fresh graduates can expect to earn a salary between ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per month. Similarly, experienced professionals can potentially earn between ₹1,50,000 per month to ₹2,00,000 per month, or even more.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the CMA salary per month based on experience level:
Experience Level |
Average Salary Per Month (Approximately) |
Entry Level CMA |
₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per month |
Mid-Level CMA |
₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month |
Senior Level CMA |
₹1,50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month and above |
Note: The actual per-month CMA salary varies based on company, skillset, and role.
Top Companies Hiring CMAs in India and How Much They Pay
From Deloitte to TCS, every company needs a CMA to improve the company’s financial performance through planning, analysis, and control. Here are some of the top companies in India hiring CMAs and offering the following average salary packages:
Company Name |
Average Salary Range (Approximately) |
Deloitte |
₹20.5 LPA |
EY |
₹22.6 LPA |
Accenture |
₹19.8 LPA |
PwC |
₹21.6 LPA |
KPMG |
₹20.8 LPA |
Tata Consultancy Services |
₹18.4 LPA |
Wipro |
₹19.4 LPA |
Infosys |
₹17 LPA |
HSBC |
₹22.2 LPA |
Factors Affecting CMA Salary in India
The CMA salary in India depends on several key factors.
Here are some of the main ones:
- Experience: In every career, the more experience you have, the more you will earn. So, a CMA having a decade or more of experience will earn more than those who have just graduated or have a couple of years of experience.
- Industry: From manufacturing to consulting, different industries have different pay scales. A CMA working in banking and financial services may earn more than in technology or IT companies. Some companies value cost management skills more than others.
- Job Location: Salaries are typically higher in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore due to the high cost of living. Smaller towns usually offer lower pay, but the cost of living is also lower, so it balances out a bit.
- Job Role: Roles like Financial Controller or CFO come with higher pay because they carry more responsibility. Entry-level or mid-level roles naturally fall on the lower end of the salary scale.
- Company Size: Larger companies usually offer better pay. They have bigger budgets and more complex operations, so they need experienced professionals and are willing to pay more for them.
CA vs CMA Salary in India
Generally, a Chartered Accountant (CA) gets a higher salary package than a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). A CMA can also reach similar salary levels with time and experience. In India, a recently graduated CA can earn between ₹6 – ₹8 LPA, while a CMA might get a package between ₹4 – ₹7 LPA.
CMAs are in high demand, particularly in the US and the Middle East. While CA focuses more on audit, taxation, and statutory compliance, CMA favors strategic planning, cost control, and internal financial management.
CMA vs ACCA Salary in India
Both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and CMA offer well-paying careers in India. But their compensation can vary slightly. Globally, ACCA tends to have wider recognition than CMA. While ACCA focuses on broader finance and accounting roles, CMA has more emphasis on management accounting and financial planning.
Entry-level ACCA may earn between ₹4 – ₹6 LPA, while senior-level executives can earn between ₹10 – ₹20 LPA and above. On the other hand, entry-level CMAs can expect to earn between ₹4 – ₹7 LPA, while senior-level executives can earn between ₹12 – ₹25 LPA and above.
Conclusion
Overall, the CMA salary in India relies on various factors. From a candidate’s experience level and skills to which industry and city they are working in, all these aspects decide what package they will get. CMA skills are highly valued in every industry and business, making them stronger candidates for high-paying roles. If you are someone looking for a promising career in finance and a management accounting role, the CMA can be the one. The CMA certification opens doors to well-paying roles both in India and abroad.
CMA Salary in India in 2025 – FAQs
1. What Does a CMA Do?
A CMA performs several roles in organisations, from reviewing financial reports, managing risk, constructing budgets, financial planning and analysis, and preparing reports.
2. Is CMA still in demand?
Yes, CMA is in high demand. Recently, job postings for CMAs have increased, indicating the vast need for certified professionals in the job market.
3. Who earns more CA or CMA?
The salary difference between CA and CMA is not that significant. Generally, CA earns more than CMA. But with more experience and senior roles, CMAs can also get a competitive salary.
4. What is the salary of a CMA per month in India?
Generally, fresh graduates can expect to earn a salary between ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per month. Similarly, experienced professionals can potentially earn between ₹1,50,000 per month to ₹2,00,000 per month or even higher.
5. What is the salary of a CMA in Big 4 per month?
The salary of a CMA in Big 4 firms is around ₹42,000 to ₹85,000 per month for freshers. These are the starting salary ranges and could increase significantly within 2-3 years.
6. Is CMA worth it in India?
Yes, with the rising demand for finance professionals, CMA is one of the most in-demand professions. Companies and organizations need a CMA to perform cost management and accounting tasks.