CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in North Carolina
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in North Carolina, individuals must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners. This typically involves completing 150 semester hours of education, including a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and gaining 2,000 hours (one year) of supervised accounting experience. Additionally, applicants must pass an 8-hour North Carolina Accountancy Law and Professional Ethics course. North Carolina offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other jurisdictions who meet the state's requirements.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration. Effective January 1, 2026, an alternative pathway requires a bachelor's degree in accounting and 2 years of verified experience. |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,292) |
| Application Fee | $230 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Must pass an 8-hour North Carolina Accountancy Law and Professional Ethics course within one year prior to applying for licensure. US citizenship or legal residency required. Background check required for reciprocity applicants. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in North Carolina
The median cpa salary in North Carolina is $80,490 per year, which is 1.5% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,940 |
| 25th | $63,590 |
| 50th (median) | $80,490 |
| 75th | $103,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $137,260 |
North Carolina employs approximately 46,420 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 North Carolina Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $80,490 in North Carolina, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.