The CMA is one of the few finance credentials whose awarding body publishes a regular salary survey comparing holders with non-holders. That makes it easier than usual to see what the credential is worth, at least on average.
What IMA's salary survey shows
| Measure | CMA holders | Premium over non-CMAs |
|---|---|---|
| Americas: median base salary | $137,137 | 20% |
| Americas: median total compensation | $163,932 | 24% |
| Global: median total compensation | $86,955 | About 21% |
These figures come from the IMA Global Salary Survey released in December 2023, the most recent edition with widely reported Americas and global results. Survey respondents are IMA members, many of them experienced, so these medians describe established professionals rather than new graduates. Part of the premium also reflects that CMAs tend to be more senior, not only the credential itself.
CMA salary ranges by country
| Country | Entry level | Mid level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $65k–$85k | $100k–$140k | $140k–$220k+ |
| United Kingdom | £30k–£42k | £45k–£65k | £70k–£110k+ |
| Canada | CAD 60k–78k | CAD 85k–115k | CAD 125k–200k+ |
| Australia | AUD 65k–85k | AUD 95k–130k | AUD 140k–210k+ |
| Singapore | SGD 50k–65k | SGD 75k–110k | SGD 120k–180k+ |
| UAE (monthly) | AED 10k–18k | AED 22k–35k | AED 35k–50k+ |
Indicative ranges from salary guides and job platforms. UAE figures are monthly, generally free of personal income tax and often exclude housing and other allowances.
Where the CMA helps your pay most
- FP&A and budgeting: Part 1 maps directly onto planning and forecasting work.
- Financial controlling: cost management, internal controls and reporting are core CMA topics.
- Moving from accounting into finance leadership: Part 2's decision analysis and corporate finance support the step to finance manager and director.
- Multinationals in the Gulf and Asia: many list the CMA alongside ACCA and CPA in finance job ads.
How fast does the CMA pay back?
A typical professional spends around $2,900 including a review course. Enter your own numbers below.
CMA payback calculator
| Your net cost | |
| Extra take-home pay per year | |
| Gain after 5 years |
Simple estimate: ignores pay growth, bonuses and study time. The default cost matches the "typical" budget in our CMA cost guide.
CMA, CPA or ACCA for salary?
The right choice depends on the work, not the headline premium. For US audit and public accounting, the CPA is required. For chartered accountancy outside the US, ACCA is often the standard. For finance roles inside companies, the CMA is the most targeted and the fastest to complete, at two exams.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CMA earn?
In IMA's global salary survey, CMAs in the Americas reported a median base salary of $137,137 and median total compensation of $163,932. Pay is lower in markets with lower salary levels overall, but the CMA premium appears across regions.
How much more do CMAs earn than non-CMAs?
IMA reported that CMAs in the Americas earned 20% more in median base salary and 24% more in total compensation than non-CMA peers. Globally, the premium in total compensation was around 21%.
Is the CMA worth it outside the US?
It is widely recognised in the Gulf, South and East Asia and parts of Europe for corporate finance and management accounting roles. In these markets it often helps candidates move into FP&A, controlling and finance manager positions.
Which CMA jobs pay the most?
Senior roles such as financial controller, finance director and CFO pay the most. FP&A managers and cost or management accounting leads also earn well, especially in large multinational companies.
CMA or CPA for higher salary?
In US public accounting and audit, the CPA is usually required and pays more. In corporate finance and management accounting roles, the CMA is directly relevant and can match or exceed that premium, especially combined with industry experience.