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Top 10 Highest Salary Jobs for Commerce Students in India

Author : Pooja Manchanda

July 15, 2024

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Reader’s Digest: Are you thinking of making a career in commerce and trying to locate the best paying job possible? Discover the highest-paying careers in commerce by continuing to read.

In India, commerce is a pivotal field alongside science and humanities. While interconnected, there's often a perception that certain educational backgrounds offer more opportunities. However, the highest paying jobs in commerce are determined by factors like salary and job satisfaction, impacting various aspects of one's life: 

  • Salary and Job Satisfaction play a crucial role in determining the most lucrative career paths for commerce students. 
  • A lucrative salary ensures financial stability and motivates individuals to invest more time and effort into their work. 
  • There are numerous specialized courses and career guidance resources available to cater to the needs of commerce students in India. 

Summary: 

Some of the top profiles and their average annual salaries are listed in the table below: 

Job  Salary 
Chartered Accountant (CA)  Rs. 6-7 lakhs per year 
Investment Banker  Rs. 9-10 lakhs per year 
Marketing Manager  Rs. 6-7 lakhs per year 
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)  Rs. 12 lakhs per year 
Human Resource Manager  Rs. 7-15 Lakhs per year 
Actuary  Rs. 10-14 lakhs per year 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)  Rs. 7-9 lakhs per year 
Business Accountant and Taxation  Rs. 6-7 lakhs per year 
Cost Accountant  Rs. 4 lakhs per year 
Personal Financial Advisor  Rs. 3-5 Lakhs per year 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  Rs. 24 Lakhs per year 
Entrepreneur  Rs. 110-120 Lakhs per year 
Company Secretary  Rs. 6-7 lakhs per year 
Retail Manager  Rs. 5-6 lakhs per year 

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Top 10 Highest Salary Jobs for Commerce Students without Maths 

For commerce students without a math background, lucrative career options abound. Specializations like Chartered Accountancy, Digital Marketing, Business Research, and Entrepreneurship offer high salaries without requiring mathematical expertise. 

Job  Salary 
Chartered Accountant (CA)  ₹6-7 Lakhs per annum 
Digital Marketing Manager  ₹5-8 Lakhs per annum 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)  ₹7-9 lakhs per annum 
Human Resource Manager  ₹7-15 Lakhs per annum 
Product Manager  ₹16-17 Lakhs per annum 
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)  ₹7-8 Lakhs per annum 
Company Secretary (CS)  ₹6-7 lakhs per annum 
Event Manager  ₹4-5 lakhs per annum 
Hotel Manager  ₹4 lakhs per annum 
Retail Manager  ₹5-6 Lakhs per annum 

Check Out: Career Options After 10th Without Math 

List of top 12 Highest Salary Jobs for Commerce Students

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #1: Chartered Accountant 

The Chartered Accountancy course from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a prestigious and high-paying career option in commerce. Completing the course and internships leads to the coveted Chartered Accountant (CA) designation. 

How to become a CA: 

  • The road to becoming a chartered accountant (CA) is a difficult one that usually starts with earning a commerce graduation degree. 
  • Although after 12th grade students can enroll for the CA fundamental course, many choose to finish their graduation first. 
  • The CA course ICAI administers has three levels – Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. One must pass exams in each level covering accounting, law, auditing, finance, and management.
  • Completing 3 to 4 years of articles under a practicing CA and passing all exam levels makes one eligible for CA membership. 

Average Salary of a CA: Starting Salary: ₹6-7 Lakhs per annum 

Read More: Career Options After 10th in Commerce 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #2: Investment Banker 

An investment banker is someone who works closely with financial institutions and can provide their customers with the best advice on how to manage their money. As an investment banker, you will be responsible for recommending and providing financial advice to different companies and individuals.

How to become an Investment Banker: 

  • To become an investment banker, one must have a strong background in education and sufficient professional experience.
  • The initial step after completing your 12th grade in commerce is to pursue an undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics.
  • Obtaining a master's degree in finance improves one's understanding of valuation methods and capital markets. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become an Investment Banker  Average Salary of an Investment Banker 
Bachelor's in Commerce, Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) in Economics, Bachelor’s of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, Bachelor's in Finance/Accountancy, MBA in Finance, MBA in Digital Finance & Banking, Course of Chartered Financial Analyst, Course of Chartered Accountant  ₹9-10 lakhs p.a. as starting salary and can add up to ₹26 lakhs with experience 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #3: Marketing Manager 

This job description describes a marketing manager job that involves handling the marketing of products for a company. Marketing managers use advertising and public relations to maximize sales and maximize the market presence of the firm that they are working for. 

They work with stakeholders to plan and execute marketing campaigns, boosting brand visibility and sales through various media platforms. Marketing professionals have ample career opportunities. 

Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Marketing Manager  Average Salary of a Marketing Manager 
Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Management Studies, MSc in Management, Master's in Marketing, Master's in Digital Marketing  Starting salary is around ₹6-7 lakhs per annum and can go up to ₹22 lakhs with experience. 

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Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #4: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

It is expected of chartered financial analysts to build financial models, gather data, and analyze returns and risks. 

Candidates must complete multiple exam tiers under CFA courses covering a variety of subject areas to become CFAs. In addition, they need to have four years or more of relevant job experience in addition to a bachelor's degree. 

How to Become a CFA: 

  • Enrolling in the CFA program, a three-part exam designed to assess the foundations of investing, financial consulting, and wealth management, is the first step towards becoming a chartered financial analyst.
  • Get as much experience in the workplace as you can to boost your CV and get hired.
  • Before starting the program, gaining two to three years of experience in financial roles like banking equity research is strongly advised.
  • Obtaining the coveted CFA charter holder credential requires passing all three exam levels and fulfilling the work requirements. 
  • Global recognition and lucrative employment opportunities in investment management, research, and consulting roles with top financial firms are provided by the CFA qualification. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Chartered Financial Analyst  Average Salary of a Chartered Financial Analyst 
Bachelor's degree in Finance, CFA exams  ₹12 lakhs per annum 

Explore More: Highest Paying Career in Finance 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #5: Human Resource Manager 

Human resource managers handle recruitment, interviews, and hiring, as well as employee benefits and incentives. The field is expanding due to rising interest in Business and Management careers. 

How to Become a Human Resource Manager: 

  • How to Work as a Manager of Human Resources:
  • Earn a bachelor's degree in human resources or a similar discipline.
  • Obtain several years of HR-related work experience.
  • Think about earning a certification in a professional field, like SPHR or PHR.
  • Develop your interpersonal and communication abilities.
  • Keep abreast of the latest developments and rules in HR. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Human Resource Manager  Average Salary of a Human Resource Manager 
Bachelor's in Human Resource Management, Diploma in Human Resource Management, MSc in Human Resource Management, MBA in Human Resource Management  ₹6-7 lakhs per annum, ₹12-15 lakhs per annum with appropriate experience 

Read More: 15 Super Careers You Should go for after 12th 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #6: Actuary 

Actuaries are professionals who meticulously analyze and assess financial risks in the insurance industry, drawing on expertise in Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics. 

They play a vital role in preparing companies to manage potential liabilities through strategic risk management. 

How to Become an Actuary: 

  • Candidates must have a graduating degree in B.Com., statistics, math, or actuarial science with a preference for PCM with commerce. 
  •  To become an actuary and pursue other careers after completing their 12th year of commerce, candidates must pass the Actuarial Common Entrance Test (ACET).
  • To become a student member of the Institute of Actuaries of India, an individual must pass the ACET exam after graduating.
  • The next step is to pass ten technical tests that are divided into three categories: Foundation, Intermediate, and Fellowship. The tests measure knowledge of topics such as risk management, financial modeling, statistics, economics, and finance.
  • In addition, three years of professional experience are needed to obtain certification as an actuary. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become Actuary  Average Salary of an Actuary 
Bachelor's of Science in Maths/Statistics, Bachelor’s of Science in Actuarial Science (AS), Master‘s of Science in AS, MSc in Financial Mathematics, The Actuarial Common Admission Test (ACET)  ₹10-14 lakhs per annum 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #7: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

For businesses, clients, and the government, a certified public accountant typically manages accounting, reporting, taxes, and auditing procedures.

They offer insightful and important advice about making the right financial choices when the stakes are high.

The AICPA administers the CPA exam, requiring expertise in accounting, finance, and taxation. 

How to Become a CPA: 

  • After completing a 12th-grade commerce course, one must graduate with a degree to become eligible for CPA work.
  • To be eligible for the position of Certified Public Accountant, candidates must complete 150 hours (about 6 and a half days) of work experience and get CPA certification. 
  •  To get certified as a CPA, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA exam, which covers accounting, auditing, regulations, and business concepts.
  • To earn the license, one to two years of work experience under a certified CPA are also necessary. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become Chartered Public Accountant  Average Salary of a CPA 
Bachelor's in Commerce, BSc in Finance, CPA Exams  ₹7-9 lakhs per annum 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #8: Business Accountant and Taxation 

Professional business accountants only work in the finance and tax departments. They must be proficient in Excel and reporting, in addition to having solid knowledge of both direct and indirect taxes.

These professionals are employed in reporting, taxation, MIS, compliance, and accounting.

The Diploma in Taxation, Tally course, and BAT course are the most sought-after programs to pursue this lucrative career in commerce.

Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Business and Taxation Accountant  Average Salary of a Business Accountant and Taxation 
Bachelor's in Commerce, Bachelor's in Business Administration, Master's in Commerce, Master's in Business Studies, Master's in Business Administration  ₹7-9 lakhs per annum 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #9: Cost Accountant 

Financial experts known as cost accountants assist with budget creation, asset and cost management, and performance assessment. Most of them work for manufacturing companies. 

For regulatory bodies, creditors, tax authorities, and stockholders, they generate financial reports. 

How to Become a Cost Accountant: 

  • The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) offers a three-stage test that must be passed to become a cost accountant. 
  1. The first step is to pursue a bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting, or finance after completing your 12th grade in commerce.
  1. After that, one can register for the ICMAI Foundation course and sit for the Foundation test.
  1.  The Intermediate and Final exams, which thoroughly assess cost accounting principles, techniques, rules, and standards, come next.
  • Simultaneously, obtaining two to three years of real-world experience in financial and costing positions is strongly advised. 
  •  Those who fulfill the experience requirements and pass every exam level are awarded the esteemed Cost Accountant certification.
  • During college, relevant internships can be beneficial. Commerce students might pursue this career route to become certified if they are persistent. 
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Cost Accountant  Average Salary of a Cost Accountant 
Bachelor's in Commerce/Accounting, MSc in Accounting, MBA in Accounting  ₹4 lakhs per annum 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #10: Company Secretary 

The corporate compliance officer's responsibilities and those of the company secretary are comparable.

Their primary objective is to verify that the organization is functioning in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations.

The company secretary is a liaison between the board and the general public as a board member. In addition, he or she is in charge of filing the corporation's yearly reports and other legal paperwork. 

How to Become a Company Secretary: 

  • Candidates can enroll in the foundation ICSI course after completing the 12th commerce stream, and graduate candidates can register for the intermediate ICSI course to get ready for various exam levels.
  • The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) oversees the Company Secretary programme, which is offered at three different levels: Foundation, Executive, and Professional.
  • It is possible to apply for the Foundation Program after the twelfth commerce. Applying to the Executive Program is open to graduates. 
  • Exam topics covered include corporate governance, accounting, taxation, company law, and finance.
  • In addition, to become a member, one must complete three years of practical training under a CS. 
  • Getting experience as an articler offers practical exposure to drafting agreements, shareholder services, and corporate legal compliance.
Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Company Secretary  Average Salary of a Company Secretary 
CS Course: Foundation, Executive and Professional Programme  ₹6-7 lakhs per annum 

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Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #11: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

CEOs are the ones that make the decisions for any firm or corporation, and they are frequently rated among the greatest occupations in the US. 

 They are expected to manage the daily operations of any firm or organization and handle marketing and strategy. 

 A CEO is accountable for managing the public relations of any given organization in addition to hiring, firing, and satisfying the needs of the workforce. 

Courses Needed to Pursue to Become a Chief Executive Officer  Average Salary of a Chief Executive Officer 
Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Commerce, Bachelor's in Management Studies, Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship, MSc in Management, Master’s in Business Administration, MBA in Entrepreneurship  ₹24 lakhs per annum 

Highest Salary Job for Commerce Student #12: Entrepreneur 

An entrepreneur is a person who starts, grows, and runs their own business, taking full responsibility for it. 

Students who have unique and creative ideas that differentiate them from competitors in the same field can launch a small-scale business.

To avoid investing all your money, you may also raise money from well-known investors. In this case, you'll still need to meet all their demands and make a strong pitch for your ideal company! 

Courses Needed to Pursue to Become an Entrepreneur  Average Salary of an Entrepreneur 
Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor's in Commerce, Bachelor's in Management Studies, Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship, MSc in Management, Master's in Business Administration, MBA in Entrepreneurship  ₹110-120 lakhs per annum 

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Conclusion 

  • Several commerce students in India have led happy and prosperous lives, thanks to several well-paying employment in the subject.
  • The positions listed above are not to be taken lightly; they involve a very high skill set and the mentality to take on significant obligations with complete accountability.
  • Since these are the top paying occupations in the nation, it is crucial that you invest in the correct courses and work hard to have a great career in the career of your choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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