At Remitly, we’re all about supporting your career growth. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a chartered accountant, now is a great time to make the leap. There’s a growing demand for qualified chartered accountants across industries, and the profession remains one of the most stable career paths in finance.
Whether you’re a current CA considering a career move, a student planning your future, or an employer setting competitive compensation expectations, we’ll dive into the 2025 salary trends for chartered accountants. Read on to learn about typical salary ranges by experience level, regional variations across the UK, industry differences, and factors that influence learning potential.
What is a chartered accountant?
A chartered accountant or CA is a globally recognised financial professional. To become a CA, you have to pass a series of rigorous exams and complete a minimum amount of practical experience. This combination of knowledge and experience prepares CAs for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
The requirements to become a chartered accountant vary by country and are typically governed by different professional accounting bodies. In the UK, one such body is the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Chartered accountants can work across a wide range of industries. Many CAs are employed by private or public companies, but they can also start private practices or work in a consulting capacity.
Average chartered accountant salaries in 2025
Your earning potential as a chartered accountant depends on where you are in your career. In addition to your base salary, many CAs also receive bonuses, benefits, and other package perks, which can significantly increase total compensation.
CA salaries at different levels
- Trainee: £15,000–£25,000
At this stage, you’re just starting out and gaining the professional experience needed for your CA certification.
- Newly qualified (0–2 years): £32,000–£48,000
Once certified, your career starts to take off. Your salary will vary based on your location, employer, and industry.
- Experienced (3–7 years): £40,000–£75,000
With several years of experience, you’re likely advancing into senior roles and your salary reflects this growth.
- Senior (8+ years): £80,000–£150,000
At this level, you may be taking on leadership roles, pursuing partnership opportunities, or holding executive positions.
Salary growth trends
When starting out as a chartered accountant, your initial salary can be affected by your performance in professional exams. For example, passing your CA exams on the first try may lead to a higher starting salary compared with multiple attempts. As your career progresses, your skills, experience, and expertise become the primary factors driving salary growth.
According to Reed, a UK recruitment firm, the average salary for a mid-level chartered accountant in 2024 ranged between £45,000 and £80,000. By 2025, the reported average salary had risen to around £55,000 nationally, with top earners making close to £98,000, a significant increase compared with the previous year.
Chartered accountant salaries continue to grow each year because of strong demand and talent shortages. While specific salaries vary based on location and employer, overall trends show expected growth for both newly qualified and experienced CAs.
Regional salary variations across the UK
One of the biggest factors affecting where you fall within the average salary range as a chartered accountant is location. In the UK, the highest-earning CAs are typically based in London. This is partly due to the “London Premium,” an allowance many private and public sector employers offer to compensate for the higher cost of living in the capital.
Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations in major UK cities based on information from Indeed:
Comparison of major UK cities
- Edinburgh: £41,789
- Manchester: £34,630
- Birmingham: £33,836
The impact of remote work
Remote work has changed the way salaries are structured for many finance professionals, including CAs. Some reports suggest that hybrid or remote roles can command higher pay due to increased productivity and flexibility. For example, the ACCA’s 2023 UK Talent Trends report found that 77% of finance professionals feel more productive when working remotely, which can increase compensation.
Working remotely also offers the chance for a better work-life balance while maintaining the same salary benchmarks. If you’re moving to the UK and value flexibility, you might be able to negotiate for remote-working arrangements as part of your salary or overall compensation package.
Industry-specific salary benchmarks
Your employer and industry strongly affect your salary. Both industry type and company size can determine where you fall in the pay range.
Big Four versus mid-tier firms
Your highest earning potential is often at the Big Four accounting firms: Deloitte, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. Senior roles at these firms are typically compensated at around £100,000 and above.
However, while Big Four firms can be financially rewarding, they come with trade-offs: expect long hours, high stress, and a traditional corporate environment. Mid-tier firms may offer a better work-life balance but generally lower salaries.
Other industry data
The sector you choose will also affect your overall compensation. Here’s a breakdown of typical salary ranges across different industries:
- Corporate finance and investment banking: This is the highest-paying sector for chartered accountants. Senior positions can earn £100,000 to £200,000.
- Technology and fintech: In this sector, you’ll have the opportunity to work with start-ups and less traditional companies. Salaries range from £80,000 to £130,000.
- Manufacturing and retail: Salaries typically range from £75,000 to £125,000.
In general, you can expect to earn more at private companies than in the public sector or government roles. Understanding your career trajectory in different industries can help you make a decision about where you’d like to work and what your future career will look like.
Factors that maximise CA salaries
If you want to increase your earning potential as a chartered accountant, additional qualifications and specialisations can make a big difference. Experience in tax, audit, or forensic accounting is in high demand and can boost your salary.
Professionals with expertise in mergers, acquisitions, or risk management are highly valued in financial services. In private practice or consultancy roles, this experience can allow you to charge higher fees.
The Big Four accounting firms operate internationally. Having international experience, being willing to relocate, or developing cross-border expertise can also lead to significant salary increases.
Comparing CA salaries to other finance professionals
A career as a chartered accountant is similar to other roles in finance and accounting. Here are the average starting salaries for related roles and qualifications:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): £24,000
- Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA): £51,000
While becoming a chartered accountant does involve upfront costs, such as exam fees and training, the qualification is often an investment in your future. With steady job prospects and salaries that continue to rise, most professionals see a strong return on this investment as their careers progress.
Salary negotiation tips and next steps
If you’re preparing for salary negotiations as a chartered accountant, the key is to do your homework. Research typical salaries for your experience level, industry, and location. The tips below will help you approach the conversation with confidence.
- Be informed
Alongside salary benchmarks in your specific industry, prepare a list of your achievements. Focus on how your work has positively impacted your company, through cost savings, revenue generation, or improved efficiency. Wherever possible, back this up with quantifiable data to create a strong case.
- Choose the right moment
If you’re new to a company, consider waiting at least six months to discuss your salary. This will ensure that you’ve had enough time to make a positive impression. You might also time your conversation a few months before the end of the fiscal year, when budgets and promotions are under review.
- Think beyond the base pay
Salary is just one part of a compensation package. Consider negotiating benefits such as flexible working, extra holiday allowance, professional development funding, or bonuses. These perks can add significant value even if the base salary is less negotiable.
A career as a chartered accountant is both stable and financially rewarding. Salaries are rising across the UK, driven by a strong demand and a shortage of skilled professionals. By staying informed about market trends and continuing to build your expertise, you’ll put yourself in the best position to grow your career and maximise earning potential.
FAQs
What is the starting salary for a newly qualified chartered accountant?
According to Brierly Price Prior (BPP) University in London, a newly qualified chartered accountant can expect to earn between £40,000 and £55,000 per year.
Do chartered accountants earn more in London than in other UK cities?
Yes. Chartered accountant salaries in London tend to be higher than in other parts of the UK, due to the London Premium that compensates for the city’s higher cost of living.
How do I become a chartered accountant in the UK?
Becoming a chartered accountant in the UK usually takes three to five years. You can study through a university programme or pursue a professional qualification route outside of university. Both paths involve passing a series of exams and completing a set amount of practical work experience.