CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in New Jersey
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey, candidates must meet the requirements set by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy. This involves obtaining a bachelor's degree with specific coursework, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing a supervised work experience of at least 1,750 hours. Additionally, applicants must pass a New Jersey Law and Ethics Course and be at least 18 years old. New Jersey offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states who meet comparable standards.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in New Jersey
| Detail | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Jersey State Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 1,750.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,411) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Social Security number required. Must pass a New Jersey Law and Ethics Course. As of February 11, 2026, New Jersey offers two pathways to licensure: (1) Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours and 1 year (1750 hours) of experience, or (2) Bachelor's degree with 2 years of experience. Both pathways require 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses. Background checks are required. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in New Jersey
The median cpa salary in New Jersey is $101,340 per year, which is 24.1% above the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $65,670 |
| 25th | $79,640 |
| 50th (median) | $101,340 |
| 75th | $129,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $166,230 |
New Jersey employs approximately 43,540 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 New Jersey Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,225 and a median salary of $101,340 in New Jersey, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: New Jersey's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.