CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Alabama
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alabama, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. This involves completing 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and accruing one year (2000 hours) of qualified accounting experience. Alabama also has a minimum age requirement of 19 and requires U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Reciprocity is available for CPAs licensed in other states who meet Alabama's requirements, and out-of-state CPAs may practice under mobility provisions.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Alabama
| Detail | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,062) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or legally present in the U.S. Good moral character is required. Alabama has a two-tier licensing system, issuing a certificate upon passing the exam and meeting education, with full licensure requiring experience. As of October 1, 2026, an alternative pathway to licensure will be available for candidates with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of verified full-time accounting experience, even without 150 semester hours. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Alabama
The median cpa salary in Alabama is $71,070 per year, which is 13.0% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,600 |
| 25th | $58,000 |
| 50th (median) | $71,070 |
| 75th | $93,520 |
| 90th (experienced) | $123,410 |
Alabama employs approximately 25,420 cpas.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Job Outlook
AI Impact on CPAs
High AI Exposure (Score: 1.48/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a CPA in Alabama Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $71,070 in Alabama, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Alabama's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.