CPA in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$71,070

trending_down -13.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

25,420

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,200

Est. total cost

schedule

1-2 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Alabama

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alabama, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. This involves completing 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and accruing one year (2000 hours) of qualified accounting experience. Alabama also has a minimum age requirement of 19 and requires U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Reciprocity is available for CPAs licensed in other states who meet Alabama's requirements, and out-of-state CPAs may practice under mobility provisions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,600

25th percentile $58,000

50th (median) $71,070

75th percentile $93,520

90th (experienced) $123,410

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,062)
Application fee	$120
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or legally present in the U.S. Good moral character is required. Alabama has a two-tier licensing system, issuing a certificate upon passing the exam and meeting education, with full licensure requiring experience. As of October 1, 2026, an alternative pathway to licensure will be available for candidates with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of verified full-time accounting experience, even without 150 semester hours.

Source: Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

124,200

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,579,800

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 1.48/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period

0 months

~$1,200 investment ÷ $71,070 median salary

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
warningElevated AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cpa career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cpa in Alabama? expand_more

To become a cpa in Alabama, you need to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($120 fee).

Is a cpa license required in Alabama? expand_more

A state license is required in Alabama. Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy handles cpa licensing — the Uniform CPA Examination is part of the process.

How much do cpas make in Alabama? expand_more

In Alabama, the median pay for cpas comes to $71,070/year. That's 13% below the national median of $81,680. New cpas start around $48,600; seasoned professionals can reach $123,410.

How much does it cost to become a cpa in Alabama? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($1,062) and application fee ($120). The estimated total investment is $1,200, including education and training.

How many months or years does cpa certification take in Alabama? expand_more

The typical timeline in Alabama is 1-2 years post-bachelor's degree. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do cpas need in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama requires 40.0 hours of continuing education every 1.0 year to maintain your cpa license.