Top Industries Hiring CAs in 2026 (and Their Pay Scales)

If you are a CA student or a newly qualified CA, one big question is always in your mind:
“Where will I get a good job after CA, and how much salary will I earn?”

In 2026, Chartered Accountants are still in very high demand. Companies need CAs not only for tax and audit, but also for finance planning, business decisions, and compliance with laws. But not all industries pay the same salary. Some industries pay more, some give faster growth, and some offer stability.

In this article, you will clearly understand:

• Which industries are hiring CAs in 2026
• What kind of work you will do in each industry
• How much salary you can realistically expect
• Which industry may suit you based on your goals

Why CAs Are Still in Demand in 2026

Even after AI, automation, and software, companies still need CAs. This is because:

• Every business deals with money
• Every company must pay taxes correctly
• Government rules are becoming stricter
• Companies need help in financial planning
• Investors trust businesses that follow proper accounting

A CA understands accounting, tax, audit, law, and finance. That combination is rare. That is why CA is still a powerful career in 2026.

Average Salary of a CA in 2026 (Reality Check)

Before looking at industries, let us first understand general salary ranges.

Fresh CA (0–1 year experience)

• ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh per year
• Monthly salary: ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 (approx)

CA with 3–5 years experience

• ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year
• Depends heavily on industry and role

Senior CA (10+ years experience)

• ₹30 lakh per year and above
• CFOs and senior leaders can earn much more

Salary depends on industry, company size, location, and your skills.

Industry Wise Average Salary of a CA in 2026

Now let us go industry by industry.

Finance and Banking Industry

This is one of the top industries hiring CAs every year.

What comes under this industry

• Banks
• NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies)
• Financial institutions
• Investment companies
• Insurance companies

What work you will do

As a CA in finance or banking, you may work in:

• Financial analysis
• Risk management
• Credit assessment
• Internal audit
• Compliance with RBI and other rules

This industry needs CAs because money handling must be accurate and lawful.

Salary in 2026

• Fresh CA: ₹7–12 lakh per year
• 3–5 years experience: ₹15–25 lakh per year
• Senior roles: ₹30 lakh+ per year

Who should choose this industry

Choose this if:

• You like numbers and analysis
• You want stable growth
• You are comfortable with rules and regulations

Professional Services and Audit Firms (Big Firms)

This industry includes large audit and advisory firms, including global firms.

What these firms do

They provide services like:

• Audit
• Tax filing
• GST
• Advisory
• Due diligence
• Business consulting

Why CAs join these firms

• Strong learning environment
• Exposure to many clients
• Good brand value on CV
• Structured growth path

Salary in 2026

• Fresh CA: ₹8–12 lakh per year
• 3–6 years experience: ₹15–25 lakh per year
• Managers and senior roles: ₹30 lakh+ per year

Work hours can be long, but learning is very strong.

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You want fast learning
• You are okay with pressure
• You want strong experience in early career

Corporate Sector and MNCs

Many CAs work directly in companies instead of firms.

Types of companies

• Manufacturing companies
• FMCG companies
• Retail companies
• Pharma companies
• Automobile companies
• Large Indian groups

Roles for CAs

• Finance Manager
• Tax Manager
• Internal Auditor
• Financial Controller
• Cost Accountant

Salary in 2026

• Fresh CA: ₹7–15 lakh per year
• Mid-level roles: ₹15–30 lakh per year
• Senior finance roles: ₹30–50 lakh per year

MNCs usually pay better than small companies.

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You want fixed working hours
• You like working inside one company
• You want long-term stability

IT and Technology Companies

Technology companies also hire many CAs.

Why IT companies need CAs

• Managing large budgets
• Cost control
• International taxation
• Transfer pricing
• Compliance in multiple countries

Work profile

• Financial planning
• Budgeting
• Cost analysis
• Tax and compliance
• Business finance support

Salary in 2026

• Fresh CA: ₹6–10 lakh per year
• Experienced CA: ₹15–30 lakh per year
• Senior leadership roles: ₹40 lakh+ per year

Some tech companies also offer bonuses and stock options.

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You like modern companies
• You want exposure to global finance
• You are comfortable with fast-changing environments

Consulting and Advisory Industry

This industry pays very high salaries, but work is demanding.

What consulting firms do

They advise companies on:

• Business restructuring
• Cost reduction
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Financial strategy
• Risk management

Why CAs are valued here

CAs understand:

• Financial statements
• Business health
• Compliance risks
• Financial planning

Salary in 2026

• Fresh CA: ₹10–18 lakh per year
• Mid-level consultants: ₹20–40 lakh per year
• Senior consultants/partners: ₹50 lakh+ per year

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You like problem-solving
• You can handle pressure
• You want high pay and fast growth

Startups and New-Age Companies

Startups are hiring more CAs in 2026 than before.

Why startups need CAs

• Cash flow management
• Fundraising support
• Tax planning
• Financial modelling
• Compliance during growth

Salary in 2026

• Early-stage startups: ₹6–12 lakh per year
• Funded startups: ₹15–30 lakh per year
• Some offer ESOPs (company shares)

Salary may be lower initially, but growth can be fast.

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You want learning and responsibility
• You are okay with some risk
• You like flexible work culture

Government and Public Sector Jobs

Some CAs prefer job security over high salary.

Where CAs work

• Government departments
• PSUs
• Regulatory bodies
• Public audit offices

Salary structure

• Salary is as per government pay scale
• Regular increments
• Pension and benefits

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You want job security
• You want work-life balance
• You are okay with slower growth

Self-Practice and Entrepreneurship

Many CAs start their own practice.

What self-practising CAs do

• Tax filing
• GST consultancy
• Audit
• Business advisory
• Financial planning

Income potential

• First few years may be slow
• Income grows with clients
• Successful CAs can earn very high income

There is no fixed limit in self-practice.

Who should choose this

Choose this if:

• You want independence
• You want to build your own brand
• You are patient and consistent

What Decides Your Salary as a CA

Your salary does not depend only on passing CA.

It also depends on:

• Your articleship experience
• Your communication skills
• Your practical knowledge
• City you work in
• Industry you choose
• Your confidence and networking

Two CAs can earn very different salaries.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, CAs have many career options. Every industry needs financial experts. The key is choosing the industry that matches your interest, strength, and long-term goal.

Do not only chase salary. Look at:

• Learning
• Growth
• Stability
• Work-life balance

If you build skills and stay patient, CA is still one of the strongest careers in India.