CPA in Idaho

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

Median annual salary

$64,840

trending_down -20.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering

5,590

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,220

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Idaho

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Idaho, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Idaho State Board of Accountancy. This includes holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam and fulfill continuing education requirements annually for license renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $43,260

25th percentile $56,160

50th (median) $64,840

75th percentile $85,390

90th (experienced) $109,270

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing body	Idaho State Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,100)
Application fee	$175
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	Idaho offers reciprocal licensing for CPAs, recognizing substantial equivalency and offering mobility.Reciprocal states: Idaho has adopted the 'substantial equivalency' provision of the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA). CPAs from substantially equivalent jurisdictions can practice in Idaho without an additional license. For those not substantially equivalent, mobility options exist. Reciprocal licensing is available, typically requiring the AICPA Ethics Exam and meeting Idaho's requirements. Applicants licensed for four or more years in the preceding ten years may have education, experience, and ethics exam requirements waived. Idaho is part of the NASBA Interstate Reciprocity Agreement. Foreign reciprocity is available for those from countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements, often requiring the IQEX exam.
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires passing the AICPA Ethics Exam. A background check and Idaho residency (or intent to become a resident) are required. New licensees must complete a 2-hour state-specific ethics course in their first year. CPE requires a minimum of 30 hours and a maximum of 50 hours per year, with 4 hours in ethics every two-year cycle. Experience must be earned within 10 years preceding the application, over a period of 12-36 months. Beginning July 1, 2026, new education and experience pathways for licensure will be implemented.

Source: Idaho State Board of Accountancy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See whether Idaho 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

~$1,220 investment ÷ $64,840 median salary

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

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

To become a cpa in Idaho, 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 ($175 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cpa in Idaho? expand_more

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

What do cpas earn in Idaho? expand_more

In Idaho, the median pay for cpas comes to $64,840/year. — 21% under the $81,680 national average. The range spans from $43,260 at the entry level to $109,270 for top earners.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about $1,220, factoring in exam fee ($1,100) and application fee ($175) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a cpa in Idaho? expand_more

Most candidates in Idaho complete the process in 1-3 years post-bachelor's degree, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for cpas in Idaho? expand_more

Yes — cpas in Idaho must complete 80.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.