CPA in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$90,040

trending_up +10.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

5,980

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,175

Est. total cost

schedule

1 year post-exam

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Rhode Island

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rhode Island, candidates must fulfill several requirements set by the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy. This includes completing 150 semester hours of education, passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, and accumulating 1,820 hours of verified work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher and pay an initial license fee of $375. Rhode Island also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in substantially equivalent states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $58,970

25th percentile $74,470

50th (median) $90,040

75th percentile $112,090

90th (experienced) $145,290

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours
Experience	1,820.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,423)
Application fee	$375
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	RI offers reciprocity for CPAs from equivalent states, requiring education, exam, experience, and ethics exam.Reciprocal states: Rhode Island offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in 'substantially equivalent states.' Applicants must meet Rhode Island's education, exam, and experience requirements, and pass the AICPA Ethics Exam. A reciprocity application fee of $375 applies.
Notes	Rhode Island residency is required. Must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. No minimum age requirement. A Social Security number is required. The initial license fee is $375.00.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Accountancy

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Rhode Island? See whether Rhode Island 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

~$1,175 investment ÷ $90,040 median salary

check_circleRhode Island 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 Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, becoming a cpa requires you to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours), gain 1,820.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($375 fee).

Does Rhode Island require cpa licensure? expand_more

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

How much does a cpa make in Rhode Island? expand_more

The median cpa salary in Rhode Island is $90,040 per year. — 10% higher than the $81,680 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $58,970, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $145,290.

How much does it cost to become a cpa in Rhode Island? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about $1,175, factoring in exam fee ($1,423) and application fee ($375) and required training.

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

Expect to spend 1 year post-exam from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a cpa license in Rhode Island? expand_more

Rhode Island requires 120.0 hours of continuing education every 3.0 years to maintain your cpa license.