CPA in Washington

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

Median annual salary

$96,180

trending_up +17.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering

37,400

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Strong

+4.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,430

Est. total cost

schedule

1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (minimum 12 months experience)

Time to complete

route How to become a cpa in Washington

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Washington, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Washington State Board of Accountancy. This includes holding a bachelor's degree or higher with 150 semester hours, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2,000 hours of relevant work experience. Additionally, candidates must pass an AICPA ethics exam with a score of 90% or better.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $64,440

25th percentile $78,040

50th (median) $96,180

75th percentile $121,410

90th (experienced) $143,210

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing body	Washington State Board of Accountancy
State license	Required
Education	Bachelor's degree or higher with 150 semester hours, including 24 semester hours in accounting subjects (15 at upper-level or graduate level) and 24 semester hours in business administration subjects.
Experience	2,000.0 hours
Exam	Uniform CPA Examination ($1,463)
Application fee	$330
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	120.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age: None. Requires passing an AICPA ethics exam with a score of 90% or better. Must complete at least 20 CPE hours annually. No carryover of CPE hours. Experience must be verified by an active CPA licensee who has held their license for at least 5 years.

Source: Washington 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

~$1,430 investment ÷ $96,180 median salary

check_circleWashington 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 Washington? expand_more

In Washington, becoming a cpa requires you to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree or higher with 150 semester hours, including 24 semester hours in accounting subjects (15 at upper-level or graduate level) and 24 semester hours in business administration subjects.), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($330 fee).

Is a cpa license required in Washington? expand_more

Yes, Washington requires a state license to practice as a cpa. The licensing body is Washington State Board of Accountancy. You must pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

What is the average cpa salary in Washington? expand_more

Washington cpas bring home a median salary of $96,180. That's 18% above the national median of $81,680. The range spans from $64,440 at the entry level to $143,210 for top earners.

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

Costs include exam fee ($1,463) and application fee ($330). The estimated total investment is $1,430, including education and training.

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

In Washington, becoming a cpa generally takes 1-3 years post-bachelor's degree (minimum 12 months experience), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

To keep your license active, Washington mandates 120.0 CE hours every 3.0 years.