CPA in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$73,210

trending_down -10.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

25,340

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,190

Est. total cost

schedule

2-5 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Missouri

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Missouri, candidates must meet the requirements set by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including specific accounting and business coursework. Aspiring CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and complete 2,000 hours of relevant accounting experience. An ethics exam is also required for licensure, and Missouri offers reciprocity for licensed CPAs from other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,760

25th percentile $56,640

50th (median) $73,210

75th percentile $97,260

90th (experienced) $128,240

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri State Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 30 semester hours in accounting and 30 semester hours in business courses.
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,529)
Application fee	$90
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	80.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age to sit for the exam is 18, but some sources indicate 21 for licensure. Must pass an AICPA ethics exam. Residency is required (live, work, or have an office in Missouri).

Source: Missouri State 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

~$1,190 investment ÷ $73,210 median salary

check_circleMissouri 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

What's required to work as a cpa in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, becoming a cpa requires you to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 30 semester hours in accounting and 30 semester hours in business courses.), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($90 fee).

Does Missouri require cpa licensure? expand_more

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

How much does a cpa make in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, the median pay for cpas comes to $73,210/year. This trails the $81,680 national median by 10%. The range spans from $45,760 at the entry level to $128,240 for top earners.

How expensive is cpa licensing in Missouri? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($1,529) and application fee ($90). The estimated total investment is $1,190, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cpa in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, becoming a cpa generally takes 2-5 years post-bachelor's degree, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Missouri require continuing education for cpas? expand_more

Yes — cpas in Missouri must complete 80.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.