CPA in Colorado

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

Median annual salary

$90,030

trending_up +10.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

35,580

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,250

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (30 months to pass exam)

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Colorado

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Colorado, candidates must meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements. This includes holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, completing 1,800 hours of supervised accounting experience, and passing the Uniform CPA Examination. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA ethics exam with a score of 90% or higher. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy handles the licensing process, and reciprocity is available for CPAs licensed in other substantially equivalent jurisdictions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $59,540

25th percentile $71,290

50th (median) $90,030

75th percentile $119,470

90th (experienced) $155,590

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

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado State Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	1,800.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,423)
Application fee	$160
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	Colorado offers reciprocity for CPAs from substantially equivalent states, requiring ethics exam and state-specific CPE.Reciprocal states: Colorado offers reciprocity to CPAs licensed in other substantially equivalent jurisdictions who have passed the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam and meet CPE requirements in their home state. They must also complete at least two CPE hours relating to Colorado rules and regulations within six months of approval.
Notes	Requires passing the AICPA ethics exam with a score of 90% or higher within two years preceding the application date. No minimum age, residency, or citizenship requirements to sit for the exam, but a Social Security number is required. Experience must be obtained within five years preceding the application date.

Source: Colorado State Board of Accountancy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Colorado? See whether Colorado recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our CPA license reciprocity guide.

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

~$1,250 investment ÷ $90,030 median salary

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cpa in Colorado? expand_more

To become a cpa in Colorado, you need to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours), gain 1,800.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($160 fee).

Is a cpa license required in Colorado? expand_more

Colorado mandates state licensure for cpas. Colorado State Board of Accountancy oversees the process, which includes passing the Uniform CPA Examination.

How much does a cpa make in Colorado? expand_more

cpas in Colorado earn a median of $90,030 annually. That's 10% above the national median of $81,680. Wages range from $59,540 (10th percentile) up to $155,590 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get cpa certified in Colorado? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($1,423) and application fee ($160). The estimated total investment is $1,250, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cpa in Colorado? expand_more

The typical timeline in Colorado is 1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (30 months to pass exam). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do cpas need in Colorado? expand_more

Colorado requires 80.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your cpa license.