CPA in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$81,100

trending_down -0.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

30,400

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,250

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Minnesota

To become a CPA in Minnesota, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. This typically involves completing 150 semester hours of education (with new pathways for a Master's degree + 1 year experience or Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience effective January 1, 2026), passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and accumulating 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience. Additionally, candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course "For Licensure" and meet residency requirements to sit for the exam. Minnesota offers CPA mobility, allowing licensed CPAs from other U.S. states to practice in Minnesota without obtaining a Minnesota CPA license, provided they are in good standing in their home state.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $54,840

25th percentile $64,790

50th (median) $81,100

75th percentile $102,940

90th (experienced) $135,370

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, OR Master's degree + 1 year experience, OR Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience (new pathways effective January 1, 2026)
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,423)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age: 18 years. Must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course "For Licensure" with a minimum score of 90. Residency requirements apply to sit for the exam (Minnesota resident, attending school in MN, or working in MN for qualifying experience).

Source: Minnesota Board of 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

~$1,250 investment ÷ $81,100 median salary

check_circleMinnesota 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 you get certified as a cpa in Minnesota? expand_more

The path to cpa licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, OR Master's degree + 1 year experience, OR Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience (new pathways effective January 1, 2026)), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does Minnesota require cpa licensure? expand_more

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

What is the average cpa salary in Minnesota? expand_more

In Minnesota, the median pay for cpas comes to $81,100/year. That's roughly in line with the $81,680 national median. The range spans from $54,840 at the entry level to $135,370 for top earners.

How expensive is cpa licensing in Minnesota? expand_more

Between exam fee ($1,423) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around $1,250 in total to get started.

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

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

How many CE hours do cpas need in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes — cpas in Minnesota must complete 120.0 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.