CPA in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$80,000

trending_down -2.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

109,530

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,150

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (varies based on individual progress)

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Texas

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). This typically involves holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours (though a new pathway for 120 hours with more experience takes effect August 1, 2026), passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2000 hours of non-routine accounting work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass a state-specific ethics exam and a background check. Texas offers a reciprocal pathway for out-of-state CPAs to transfer their license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $51,810

25th percentile $63,540

50th (median) $80,000

75th percentile $102,120

90th (experienced) $132,550

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing body	Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours (or 120 semester hours with 2 years of experience, effective August 1, 2026). Requires specific upper-level accounting and business courses, and a 3-semester-hour Board-approved ethics course.
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,051)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing a state-specific ethics exam (Texas Rules of Professional Conduct Exam) with a score of 85% or higher, a background check, and an Oath of Office. No minimum age, U.S. citizenship, or Texas residency required. A Social Security number is mandatory.

Source: Texas State Board of Public 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

~$1,150 investment ÷ $80,000 median salary

check_circleTexas 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 I become a cpa in Texas? expand_more

To become a cpa in Texas, you need to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours (or 120 semester hours with 2 years of experience, effective August 1, 2026). Requires specific upper-level accounting and business courses, and a 3-semester-hour Board-approved ethics course.), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Does Texas require cpa licensure? expand_more

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

What is the average cpa salary in Texas? expand_more

In Texas, the median pay for cpas comes to $80,000/year. That's roughly in line with the $81,680 national median. The range spans from $51,810 at the entry level to $132,550 for top earners.

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

Costs include exam fee ($1,051) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is $1,150, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cpa in Texas? expand_more

In Texas, becoming a cpa generally takes 1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (varies based on individual progress), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

License renewal in Texas requires completing 120.0 hours of continuing education on a 1.0-year cycle.