CPA in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary

$101,340

trending_up +24.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

43,540

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,225

Est. total cost

schedule

2-5 years post-bachelor's degree

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in New Jersey

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey, candidates must meet the requirements set by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy. This involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with specific coursework, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing a supervised work experience of at least 1,750 hours. Additionally, applicants must pass a New Jersey Law and Ethics Course and be at least 18 years old. New Jersey offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states who meet comparable standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $65,670

25th percentile $79,640

50th (median) $101,340

75th percentile $129,080

90th (experienced) $166,230

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

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing body	New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	1,750.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,411)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Social Security number required. Must pass a New Jersey Law and Ethics Course. As of February 11, 2026, New Jersey offers two pathways to licensure: (1) Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours and 1 year (1750 hours) of experience, or (2) Bachelor's degree with 2 years of experience. Both pathways require 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses. Background checks are required.

Source: New Jersey 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

~$1,225 investment ÷ $101,340 median salary

check_circleNew Jersey 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 I become a cpa in New Jersey? expand_more

The path to cpa licensure in New Jersey: complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours), gain 1,750.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($75 fee).

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

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

What do cpas earn in New Jersey? expand_more

The median cpa salary in New Jersey is $101,340 per year. That's 24% above the national median of $81,680. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $65,670, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $166,230.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about $1,225, factoring in exam fee ($1,411) and application fee ($75) and required training.

How quickly can I become a cpa in New Jersey? expand_more

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

Does New Jersey require continuing education for cpas? expand_more

Yes — cpas in New Jersey must complete 120.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.