Canadian Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are experiencing unprecedented compensation growth, according to CPA Canada’s 2025 CPA Compensation Study.
The study, conducted by Leger, reveals that CPAs received a national median compensation of C$154,000 in 2024, the highest level since the study’s inception in 2012.
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The growth highlights the CPA designation’s enduring demand and relevance.
Between 2022 and 2024, the median compensation for CPAs rose by 7.7%, surpassing Canada’s 6.4% inflation rate during the same period.
The trend underscores the strong earning potential for CPAs, which begins early in their careers, the accounting body said.
CPA Canada vice-president of education Andy Thomas said: “The CPA designation continues to offer a clear advantage in today’s job market – opening doors, building careers and delivering strong returns.”
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By GlobalDataCPAs with less than three years of experience report a median salary of C$92,000, while those with 25 years in the profession reach a median of C$194,000.
In comparison, Statistics Canada data indicates that the median earnings for full-time Canadian workers stood at C$70,000 in 2024, showcasing the CPA designation’s significant earning power.
CPAs are increasingly taking on strategic roles in a rapidly changing business environment, contributing to crucial areas such as risk management and sustainability disclosure.
Their expertise in providing independent assurance, navigating complex regulatory frameworks and supporting long-term decision-making remains in high demand, CPA Canada added.
As organisations embrace AI, CPAs are playing key roles in AI governance and assurance.
Notably, one-in-three survey respondents in the software and technology sector reported annual pay increases of 10% or more, signalling growing momentum in these emerging fields.
“From AI assurance to sustainability disclosure, CPAs are at the forefront of some of the most urgent and complex issues facing businesses today,” added Thomas.
“As demand grows for trusted expertise, so too does recognition of the CPA’s strategic value, reflected in increased compensation levels across the profession.”
Last month, CPA Canada and the American Institute of CPAs published a paper entitled Closing the AI trust gap: The role of the CPA in AI assurance.
The paper said CPAs are “uniquely positioned” to fill the trust gap in AI.
