CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Minnesota
To become a CPA in Minnesota, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. This typically involves completing 150 semester hours of education (with new pathways for a Master's degree + 1 year experience or Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience effective January 1, 2026), passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and accumulating 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience. Additionally, candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course "For Licensure" and meet residency requirements to sit for the exam. Minnesota offers CPA mobility, allowing licensed CPAs from other U.S. states to practice in Minnesota without obtaining a Minnesota CPA license, provided they are in good standing in their home state.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Minnesota Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, OR Master's degree + 1 year experience, OR Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience (new pathways effective January 1, 2026) |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,423) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age: 18 years. Must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course "For Licensure" with a minimum score of 90. Residency requirements apply to sit for the exam (Minnesota resident, attending school in MN, or working in MN for qualifying experience). |
Source: Minnesota Board of Accountancy
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Minnesota
The median cpa salary in Minnesota is $81,100 per year, which is 0.7% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $54,840 |
| 25th | $64,790 |
| 50th (median) | $81,100 |
| 75th | $102,940 |
| 90th (experienced) | $135,370 |
Minnesota employs approximately 30,400 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 Minnesota Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,250 and a median salary of $81,100 in Minnesota, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.