CFA Level 3 Salary in India: Guide to High-Paying Jobs 2025

In India, CFA Level 3 is one of the most remunerative financial certifications of 2025. Having compensation packages between 10-30 lakh/year in case of a new professional or 50 lakh and above/year in case of experienced charterholders, CFA remains one of the top qualifications. The demand for investment banking, asset management, fintech, and city-based premiums in Mumbai and Bangalore drives salaries.

This guide includes a full-fledged breakdown of CFA Level 3 salary in India in 2025 regarding entry-level pay, the increase by experience, city-based variation, industry-based comparison and benefits. It also examines career positions, places of employment and skill premiums. You are either a fresh graduate or a senior-level professional seeking senior positions. This guide provides you with credible, organised and citation-ready salary data on which to make informed career choices.

What is the CFA Level 3 Salary in India? 2025 Update

Here is an overview of the CFA Level 3 salary in India:

• In India, the salary of a CFA Level 3 is 12-30 lakhs per year based on position, location, and sector.

• The level 3 candidates in the CFA are usually between 9-18 lakhs at the entry level, among the highest entry packages in the financial sector.

• Seasoned charterholders of CFA, having several years of experience, earn between 20-50 + lakhs per annum.

• Portfolio management and investment bankers at the top of their earning scales can earn 80 lakhs+/year.

• The average salary rate in Mumbai is 18-35 lakhs, the highest-paying city for CFA professionals.

• The Bangalore packages vary between 15-28 lakhs, backed by promising fintech and startup recruits.

• Having an annual growth of 20-25 per cent, CFA has remained one of India's highest-paying global certifications in finance.

Also Read: Employment Visa India: New Guide to Process, Salary & Costs

What is the Current CFA Level 3 Salary in India for 2025?

These are all details about the current CFA Level 3 salary in India for 2025:

• Entrance level (0-2 years): 9 to 18 lakhs per annum in most finance jobs.

• Mid-level (37 years): 18-35 lakhs yearly, usually based on performance.

• Experienced positions (8-15 years): 35-80 lakhs per year, namely in asset management and IB.

• Top leadership positions (15 years or above): INR80 lakhs- 1.2 crore+ and in most cases with global exposure.

• Mumbai remains the most well-paid city, with a 25-40 per cent increase in salary over other cities.

• Surveys of recruitment by Michael Page and Randstad verify that CFA continues to record double-digit increases in salary.

How Much is the Monthly CFA Level 3 Salary in India for Fresh Graduates in 2025?

The CFA Level 3 salary in India for fresh graduates is as follows:

• Monthly salary upon passing level 3 CFA is 75000-1.5 lakh.

• In Mumbai and Bangalore, the highest earners are Freshers, averaging 1.2- 1.5 lakh monthly.

• The Delhi NCR and Pune packages cost between 85,000 and 1.3 lakhs monthly.

• The performance bonuses typically include 20-30% of additional pay to the base salary.

• In 3 years of experience, monthly earnings can easily increase to 2-3 lakhs.

Which Cities Offer the Highest CFA Level 3 Salary in India?

These cities offer the highest CFA Level 3 salary in India:

• Mumbai: 18-35 lakh annually; India's high-end investment banking and international finance centre.

• Bangalore: 15-28 lakhs a year; the highest growth rate due to fintech and wealth-tech employment.

• Delhi NCR: 14-25 lakhs/ year; good in consulting, corporate finance and MNC offices.

• Pune 12-22 lakh/year; big back-office, IT-finance, and KPO centre.

• Chennai: 11-20 lakh/year; it specialises in conventional finance and captive units.

• The remuneration in Mumbai is 25-40% greater than in second-tier cities.

• The recruitment in Bangalore increased by 45 per cent in 2025, and it was the fastest-growing CFA job market.

What Job Roles Are Available After CFA Level 3 in India 2025?

These are the job roles with the best CFA Level 3 salary in India:

• Investment Banker- Salary- 20-60 lakhs; operates in M&A, capital market, and fundraising transactions.

• Portfolio Manager- Earnings: 25-80 lakh; plans and oversees investment plans of funds or customers.

• Equity Research Analysts- 12-30 lakhs; they draw valuations, reports and stock recommendations.

• Risk Manager (FRM overlap)- Wage: 18-45 lakhs; deals with managing credit, operational and market risks.

• Wealth Manager- Salary: 15-40 lakhs; recommends to the HNIs and UHNIs on investments and estate planning.

• Consultant (Big 4/Advisory)- Salary: 18-35 lakhs, consults on the strategy, restructuring, and financial advisory.

• Corporate Finance Professional- Salary: 12-28 lakhs; he handles treasury, budgeting, and financial planning.

Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs in Europe: Latest Pay, Scope & More

How Does Experience Impact CFA Level 3 Salary Growth in India 2025?

This section covers how experience can impact your CFA Level 3 average salary in India:

• 0-2 years: 9-18 lakh annually; good entry package for fresh applicants.

• Ranging from 3-5 years: 18-28 lakhs per annum; getting promotions to associate or mid-level positions.

• 6-10 years: 28-50 lakhs/ year; senior analyst/ manager roles.

• 11-15 years: 50-80 lakhs a year; investment or portfolio manager leadership.

• 15+ years: 80 lakhs-1.2crores and above; director, partner or global positions.

• High-performance roles usually increase salaries by 20- 25 per cent annually.

• Performance bonuses and international exposure further increase earnings,

Which Industries Pay the Highest CFA Level 3 Salary in India 2025?

These industries pay the highest CFA Level 3 average salary in India:

• Investment Banking: INR 25-80 lakhs a year; the best-paying field, as expected.

• Asset Management: 20-70 lakh/year; good demand for portfolio and fund managers.Private Equity / Venture Capital: 50 100k-1 crore per year; exclusive yet profitable deals.

• Consulting: 18-40 lakh per year, direction, consultants, and restructuring.

• Fintech: 15-30 lakhs per year; fast 2025 employment explosion in wealth-technology, digital finance.

• Corporate Finance (MNCs): 12-25 lakhs per year; just stable positions in the treasury and FP&A functions.

Also Read: 9 Best Jobs to Settle Abroad from India: Updated

What Are the Top Companies Hiring CFA Level 3 Professionals?

These are the top companies hiring professionals and paying the highest CFA Level 3 average salary in India:

• Investment banks: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley; front-office finance positions of the highest grade.

• Asset Managers: BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, ICICI Prudential AMC; they are fund and portfolio managers.

• Consulting Firms: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Deloitte are providers of strategy and financial advisory projects.

• Fintech Leaders: Paytm Money, Zerodha, Groww, the booming online asset investment platforms.

• Private Equity: KKR, Blackstone, Sequoia; very choosy but highly paid.

• The salaries range between 18-80 lakhs based on position, experience and location.

• Most firms also offer performance bonuses, stock options, and international assignments.

How Does the CFA Level 3 Salary in India Compare with Other Certifications?

This table compares the average salary of CFA Level 3 in India with other commerce certifications:

• The CFA Level 3 is superior to CA and CPA in finance.

• CFA and MBA Finance are similar, yet CFA is usually at the forefront of investment banking.

What Additional Benefits Do Professionals Receive Beyond the Base CFA Level 3 Salary in India?

These are additional benefits apart from salary after CFA Level 3 in India:

• Performance Bonuses: This usually comes to 20-30 per cent of base compensation and is greater in investment banking.

• Stock Options/Equity Compensation: This is common among banks, AMCs, and fintech companies, and it has added wealth over a long period.

• Health Insurance and Family Benefits: The ultimate corporate medical and wellness packages.

• International Assignments: pay increases 50-70 per cent in other countries, and there is relocation.

• Professional Development Benefits: Paid training, certifications and international CFA conferences.

• Retirement and Profit-Sharing Plans: EPF gives long-term incentives, gratuity, and profit sharing.

Also Read: Finance Jobs in Germany: Latest Jobs for Indians

What Factors Influence CFA Level 3 Salary in India in 2025?

These major factors influence your salary after CFA Level 3 in India:

• Place: Mumbai will give a 25-40 per cent premium over Tier-2 cities.

• Industry: Investment banking has a premium of 35 per cent compared to other finance sectors.

• Experience: In core positions, salaries tend to increase twice in 5 to 7 years.

• Company Size: Global banks and MNCs attract much attention, paying much more than local companies.

• Skills: Specialisation in either modelling, ESG, or fintech would increase salary by 20-30%.

• Market Conditions: Bullish market boosts bonuses and accelerated promotions.

What Skills Command a Premium CFA Level 3 Salary in India?

These skills can help you earn the best salary after CFA Level 3 in India:

• Quantitative Finance: Provides a +30% upsurge in pay because of superior analytics.

• Derivatives & Structured Products: Sell at a premium +25% on niche knowledge.

• Portfolio Optimisation and Risk analytics: +20% asset management pay boost.

• AI-powered Investing Fintech: +15-20% premium in a fast-growing role.

• ESG & Sustainable Finance Experience: Premium of +10-15% now sought after.

• International Markets and Cross-border M & A: fetches a premium of + 20-25 per cent in international finance.

What Are the Career Progression Opportunities for CFA Level 3 Professionals in 2025?

These are some career progression opportunities to earn the best average salary of CFA Level 3 in India:

• Entry (Analyst): 9-18 lakhs per year; concentration on research, modelling, and reporting.

• Associate (3-5 years): 18-28 lakh/ year; deals with dealing and supporting clients.

• Manager/VP (6-10 years): 30-50 lakh annually; team leader and portfolio manager.

• Director (10-15 years): 50-80 lakhs yearly; recommends strategies, finds and/or allocates funds, and/or investments.

• C-suite (15 years and above): INR80 lakhs -1.2 crore and above; CIO, CFO or CEO in international companies.

• Numerous career paths lead to the position of an analyst, including Analyst, Associate, VP, Director, and CIO/CEO.

• CFA Level 3 opens an obvious path to leadership positions in all fields of finance.

CFA Level 3 Salary Trends 2025: Growth, Bonuses, and Global Opportunities

These are the latest market facts about the average salary of CFA Level 3 in India:

• Salary Growth: CFA Level 3 salaries saw a 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase in 2025 compared to 2024.

• Fresh Graduate Pay: Entry-level packages now average Rs 10-16 lakhs.

• Mumbai Leads: The average salary is Rs 22 Lakhs, the highest in India.

• Investment Banking Bonus: CFA-certified analysts get a 35% premium.

• Bonuses: 78% of professionals get performance-related incentives.

• Fintech Hiring: Growing 45% in 2025, packages at INR15-25 lakhs.

• Portfolio Management: Roles increased 28% with the salary reaching 60 lakhs.

• Global Assignments: 40% increase, 50-70% increase in pay overseas

Also Read: MS Finance in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

The CFA Level 3 salary in India 2025 shows the certification's value that no other certification can provide. Fresh professionals earn 10-18 lakhs per annum, experienced charter holders between 25-50+ lakhs, and senior ones over 80 lakhs. Salaries are steadily increasing by 20-25% annually, fueled by demand in investment banking, asset management, and fintech. Mumbai and Bangalore top the charts regarding the most hires, and investment banking and portfolio management offer the highest compensation packages. Performance bonuses and stock options add to total earnings, and specialised skills in fintech, quantitative finance, and ESG offer significant salary premiums. For finance professionals, taking the CFA Level 3 can be a gateway to high salaries, international opportunities, leadership positions, and long-term career growth. Contact TerraTern for more information.

CFA Level 3 Salary in India (2025): A Complete Guide to High-Paying Jobs