CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Arizona
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Arizona
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Arizona, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. This includes completing 150 semester hours of college education, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and gaining 2,000 hours of accounting experience. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher and be at least 18 years old. Arizona also offers reciprocity for licensed CPAs from other jurisdictions that have substantially equivalent requirements.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Arizona
| Detail | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arizona State Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 36 semester hours in accounting (30 of which must be upper-level) and 30 semester hours in related business courses. |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,100) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 80.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Social Security number. A passing score of 90% or better on the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam is required within two years immediately preceding the application for certification. Five letters of recommendation are also required. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Arizona
The median cpa salary in Arizona is $78,620 per year, which is 3.7% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $52,130 |
| 25th | $62,250 |
| 50th (median) | $78,620 |
| 75th | $102,120 |
| 90th (experienced) | $125,990 |
Arizona employs approximately 26,030 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 Arizona Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $78,620 in Arizona, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Arizona's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.