Background Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a common complication after coronary angiography (CAG), which brings a poor prognosis. But up to now, there were fewer studies to discuss the incidence of CA-AKI comprehensively. We comprehensively explore the incidence of CA-AKI after coronary angiography. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (to 30th June 2019). We evaluated the world's incidence of the CA-AKI, and associated mortality, and to described geographic variations according to countries, regions, and economies. CA-AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine >= 0.5 mg/dl or >= 25% within 72 h. Random effects model meta-analyses and meta-regressions was performed to derive the sources of heterogeneity. Results A total of 134 articles (1,211,106 participants) were included in our meta-analysis. Most studies originated from China, Japan, Turkey and United States, from upper middle income and high income countries. The pooled incidence of CA-AKI after coronary angiography was 12.8% (95% CI 11.7-13.9%), and the CA-AKI associated mortality was 20.2% (95% CI 10.7-29.7%). The incidence of CA-AKI and the CA-AKI associated mortality were not declined over time (Incidence rate change: 0.23% 95% CI - 0.050 to 0.510 p =0.617; Mortality rate change: - 1.05% 95% CI - 3.070 to 0.970 p =0.308, respectively). Conclusion CA-AKI was a universal complication in many regions, and the burden of CA-AKI remains severe. In clinical practice, physicians should pay more attention to the occurrence and active prevention and treatment of CA-AKI. [GRAPHICS] .