CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Idaho
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Idaho, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Idaho State Board of Accountancy. This includes holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam and fulfill continuing education requirements annually for license renewal.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Idaho State Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,100) |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 80.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires passing the AICPA Ethics Exam. A background check and Idaho residency (or intent to become a resident) are required. New licensees must complete a 2-hour state-specific ethics course in their first year. CPE requires a minimum of 30 hours and a maximum of 50 hours per year, with 4 hours in ethics every two-year cycle. Experience must be earned within 10 years preceding the application, over a period of 12-36 months. Beginning July 1, 2026, new education and experience pathways for licensure will be implemented. |
Source: Idaho State Board of Accountancy
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Idaho
The median cpa salary in Idaho is $64,840 per year, which is 20.6% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,260 |
| 25th | $56,160 |
| 50th (median) | $64,840 |
| 75th | $85,390 |
| 90th (experienced) | $109,270 |
Idaho employs approximately 5,590 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 Idaho Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,220 and a median salary of $64,840 in Idaho, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.