CPA in Alaska

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

Median annual salary

$81,950

trending_up +0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering

2,440

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,375

Est. total cost

schedule

Varies (typically 2-4 years post-bachelor's degree, plus exam and application processing time)

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Alaska

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alaska, candidates must obtain a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration. They must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and complete 4,000 hours (two years) of qualifying accounting experience, verified by a licensed CPA. An application and a background check are also required, along with passing an ethics exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $56,020

25th percentile $66,570

50th (median) $81,950

75th percentile $99,810

90th (experienced) $128,150

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

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing body	Alaska Board of Public Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration. As of January 1, 2026, the 150 semester hour requirement for licensure has been removed, and a bachelor's degree (typically 120 semester hours) is sufficient. To sit for the exam, candidates need a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, or be within 18 semester hours of completion with at least 15 semester hours of accounting coursework completed.
Experience	4,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,475)
Application fee	$200
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 19 years old. Requires two years of experience (4,000 hours) in accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills, verified by a supervising CPA. Experience can be gained in government, industry, academia, or public practice. An ethics exam is required. A background check is required. As of January 1, 2028, license renewal will require verification of residency in Alaska or another U.S. state.

Source: Alaska 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

~$1,375 investment ÷ $81,950 median salary

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

psychology

Wondering if a cpa career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cpa in Alaska? expand_more

Alaska requires cpas to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration. As of January 1, 2026, the 150 semester hour requirement for licensure has been removed, and a bachelor's degree (typically 120 semester hours) is sufficient. To sit for the exam, candidates need a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, or be within 18 semester hours of completion with at least 15 semester hours of accounting coursework completed.), gain 4,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($200 fee).

Does Alaska require cpa licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a cpa in Alaska without a state license from Alaska Board of Public Accountancy. The required exam is the Uniform CPA Examination.

How much does a cpa make in Alaska? expand_more

cpas in Alaska earn a median of $81,950 annually. — within a few percent of the $81,680 national figure. Wages range from $56,020 (10th percentile) up to $128,150 (90th percentile).

How expensive is cpa licensing in Alaska? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($1,475) and application fee ($200). The estimated total investment is $1,375, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cpa in Alaska? expand_more

In Alaska, becoming a cpa generally takes Varies (typically 2-4 years post-bachelor's degree, plus exam and application processing time), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a cpa license in Alaska? expand_more

To keep your license active, Alaska mandates 80.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.