CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Ohio
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Ohio
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Ohio, candidates must meet education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Accountancy Board of Ohio. This typically involves a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2,000 hours of relevant accounting experience. Ohio also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other states, allowing them to practice in Ohio if their license is substantially equivalent and they meet specific criteria.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Ohio
| Detail | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Accountancy Board of Ohio |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration (30 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses). As of January 1, 2026, candidates can qualify with 120 semester hours and two years of experience, or 150 semester hours and one year of experience. To sit for the exam, 120 semester hours are required. |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,443) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Must be of good moral character. Requires a criminal background check and completion of a Board-approved Professional Standards and Responsibilities (PSR) course. |
Source: Accountancy Board of Ohio
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Ohio
The median cpa salary in Ohio is $77,640 per year, which is 4.9% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,480 |
| 25th | $61,470 |
| 50th (median) | $77,640 |
| 75th | $99,710 |
| 90th (experienced) | $129,640 |
Ohio employs approximately 51,840 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 Ohio Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,250 and a median salary of $77,640 in Ohio, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Ohio's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.