CPA License Cost in Colorado 2026: $1,266 Fees, $84K Salary
Getting a CPA license in Colorado costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.
CPA License in Colorado — Key Numbers
$1,266
Upfront Cost
$84K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$100
Renewal (every 1 yr)
0.6 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
CPA License Cost Breakdown — Colorado
Exam fee
$976
Application fee
$170
Initial license fee
$120
Total upfront
$1,266
Renewal fee (every 1 yr)
$100
CE hours required per cycle
40 hours
Salary without license (Colorado)
$59,400/yr
Salary with license (Colorado)
$84,240/yr
5-year net ROI
$123K
Licensing body: Colorado Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in Colorado — What to Know
Colorado has one of the strongest CPA markets in the country. Public accounting, financial services, and corporate finance teams require or strongly prefer the CPA for senior roles. The $84K median reflects Colorado's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in Colorado — most candidates complete 30 hours beyond a bachelor's degree before applying. The four CPA exam sections ($244 each) plus a review course ($1,500–$3,000) are the major cost; state fees are secondary. Most Colorado employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.