CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Missouri

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO

Median Salary
$73,210
Missouri (2024)
National Median
$81,680
All states
Est. Total Cost
$1,190
Education + exams + fees
Time to Complete
2-5 years post-bachelor's degree
From start to licensed

How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Missouri

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Missouri, candidates must meet the requirements set by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including specific accounting and business coursework. Aspiring CPAs must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and complete 2,000 hours of relevant accounting experience. An ethics exam is also required for licensure, and Missouri offers reciprocity for licensed CPAs from other states.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Missouri

DetailMissouri
Licensing BodyMissouri State Board of Accountancy
State License Required Yes
EducationBachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 30 semester hours in accounting and 30 semester hours in business courses.
Experience Required2,000.0 hours
Exam Uniform CPA Examination ($1,529)
Application Fee$90
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education80.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age to sit for the exam is 18, but some sources indicate 21 for licensure. Must pass an AICPA ethics exam. Residency is required (live, work, or have an office in Missouri).

Source: Missouri State Board of Accountancy

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Missouri

The median cpa salary in Missouri is $73,210 per year, which is 10.4% below the national median of $81,680.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$45,760
25th$56,640
50th (median)$73,210
75th$97,260
90th (experienced)$128,240

Missouri employs approximately 25,340 cpas.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+4.6%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
124.2
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
1,579.8
Nationwide

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 Missouri Worth It?

With an estimated total investment of $1,190 and a median salary of $73,210 in Missouri, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.

Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a cpa in Missouri?
In Missouri, becoming a cpa requires you to complete the required education (Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 30 semester hours in accounting and 30 semester hours in business courses.), gain 2,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and submit your application ($90 fee).
Does Missouri require cpa licensure?
A state license is required in Missouri. Missouri State Board of Accountancy handles cpa licensing — the Uniform CPA Examination is part of the process.
How much does a cpa make in Missouri?
In Missouri, the median pay for cpas comes to $73,210/year. This trails the $81,680 national median by 10%. The range spans from $45,760 at the entry level to $128,240 for top earners.
How expensive is cpa licensing in Missouri?
Costs include exam fee ($1,529) and application fee ($90). The estimated total investment is $1,190, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a cpa in Missouri?
In Missouri, becoming a cpa generally takes 2-5 years post-bachelor's degree, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
Does Missouri require continuing education for cpas?
Yes — cpas in Missouri must complete 80.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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