CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in South Carolina
To become a CPA in South Carolina, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the South Carolina Board of Accountancy. This includes holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing one to two years (2,000 hours) of relevant work experience, depending on education. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam and undergo a background check. South Carolina offers reciprocity for licensed CPAs from other jurisdictions.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in South Carolina
| Detail | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Carolina Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, including 36 semester hours in accounting (24 at upper-division) and 24 semester hours in business courses. An alternative pathway allows for 120 semester hours with two years of experience. |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,243) |
| Application Fee | $165 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. Background check required for initial licensure and reinstatement. Must be lawfully present in the United States and provide a Social Security Number or Lawful Permanent Resident Number. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in South Carolina
The median cpa salary in South Carolina is $73,180 per year, which is 10.4% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,220 |
| 25th | $56,870 |
| 50th (median) | $73,180 |
| 75th | $97,600 |
| 90th (experienced) | $131,550 |
South Carolina employs approximately 15,250 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 South Carolina Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $73,180 in South Carolina, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: South Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.