Accounting continues to be one of the most trusted and stable career choices in India. Every business, whether small or large, needs someone who can track money, manage records, handle invoices, calculate taxes, and ensure financial accuracy. Because of this constant need, accountants remain in strong demand across industries.
If you are planning to start a career in accounting or want to understand how much accountants earn, this guide breaks down the complete picture of the accountant salary in India, job types, growth factors, and ways to increase your earning potential.
Average Accountant Salary in India
The salary of an accountant in India varies based on skills, experience, company size, and location. Here is a simple breakdown to give you a clear idea.
Salary for Freshers
A fresher accountant typically earns:
₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month
This range is common for students who have completed BCom, MCom, or certification-based accounting courses. Companies usually look for basic knowledge of accounting concepts and comfort with tools like Tally or Excel.
Mid-Level Accountant Salary
With 2 to 5 years of experience, salaries increase to:
₹30,000 to ₹45,000 per month
At this stage, accountants usually handle GST filings, payroll, advanced bookkeeping, and financial reporting.
Senior Accountant Salary
Experienced accountants with 5 to 10 years of work experience earn:
₹50,000 to ₹75,000 per month
Senior accountants manage audits, balance sheets, financial planning, and team leadership responsibilities.
Highly Experienced Accountant Salary
Professionals working for more than 10 years or those with advanced qualifications like CA Inter or specialisations earn:
₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month
Some even cross this range in large companies, consulting firms, and multinational organisations.
Accountant Salary Based on Job Role
Accounting is not one single job. There are different roles, each with its own responsibilities and salary range.
Junior Accountant
Salary: ₹15,000 to ₹22,000 per month
Handles basic entries, bookkeeping, and documentation.
Accounts Executive
Salary: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month
Manages accounts handling, vendor payments, and financial reports.
Accounts Assistant
Salary: ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 per month
Supports senior accountants with ledgers and reconciliations.
Senior Accountant
Salary: ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per month
Manages statements, audits, financial planning, and compliance.
Tax Accountant
Salary: ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 per month
Specialises in GST, TDS, income tax filing, and compliance.
Payroll Accountant
Salary: ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per month
Handles employee payroll, PF, ESIC, and salary compliance.
Forensic Accountant
Salary: ₹50,000 to ₹90,000 per month
Works on fraud detection, investigation, and data analysis.
Accountant Salary by City
Location plays a big role in deciding how much an accountant earns.
Top-paying cities
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Delhi
• Pune
• Chennai
Average salary in metros:
₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per month for freshers
₹50,000 to ₹90,000 for experienced candidates
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
Salaries are slightly lower but cost of living is also manageable.
Average salary:
₹15,000 to ₹28,000 for freshers
Factors That Affect an Accountant’s Salary
Several elements influence how much accountants are paid. Here are the most important ones.
1. Education and Qualifications
BCom, MCom, CA Inter, or certifications boost salary chances.
2. Software Knowledge
Tally, Excel, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, ERP tools add strong value.
3. Years of Experience
The more you handle reporting and compliance, the higher your salary.
4. Company Size
Large companies and MNCs pay more compared to small local firms.
5. Specialised Skills
GST filing, payroll, taxation, and financial analysis increase earning potential.
How to Increase Your Salary as an Accountant
If you want to grow faster in the accounting field, here are steps you can follow.
1. Learn Advanced Excel
Knowledge of formulas, pivot tables, reporting and data clean-up is highly valued.
2. Get a Tally Certification
Most companies use Tally or ERP tools, so certifications give you an advantage.
3. Build Strong GST and Tax Knowledge
Tax skills instantly increase your salary range.
4. Practice Real Cases
Internships and freelance accounting strengthen your learning.
5. Apply Consistently on Job Platforms
Using platforms like Apna helps you connect with verified companies, which leads to faster interview calls.
Why Accountants Will Always Be in Demand
Despite the rise of automation and accounting software, companies still need accountants for:
• Decision-making
• Compliance
• Tax management
• Error checking
• Financial analysis
• Vendor coordination
• Monthly reporting
Human judgement cannot be replaced easily, which is why accounting remains a future-proof career.
Conclusion
An accountant’s salary in India depends on experience, skills, location, and the type of accounting role you choose. Freshers usually start between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month, and with skill development and experience, salaries can grow to ₹70,000 or even ₹1,20,000 per month in senior roles.
If you want a stable career with strong long-term growth, accounting is one of the best choices for commerce students today. Focus on practical skills, build a strong resume, and apply on trusted platforms like Apna for verified opportunities.
FAQs About Accountant Salary in India
1. What is the starting salary of an accountant in India
Freshers earn between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month.
2. Do accountants get good salary growth
Yes. With experience and tax or GST skills, salaries can reach ₹60,000 to ₹1 lakh per month.
3. Which skills help accountants earn more
Excel, Tally, GST, taxation, financial reporting, and ERP tools.
4. Which city pays accountants the highest salary
Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune offer higher pay.
5. How can freshers find accountant jobs quickly
Using verified job platforms like Apna helps freshers get faster interview calls.
