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CPA License Cost in Maryland 2026: $1,266 Fees, $87K Salary

Getting a CPA license in Maryland costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.

CPA License in Maryland — Key Numbers

$1,266
Upfront Cost
$87K
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 — Maryland

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 (Maryland) $61,600/yr
Salary with license (Maryland) $87,360/yr
5-year net ROI $128K

Licensing body: Maryland Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

CPA License in Maryland — What to Know

Maryland 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 $87K median reflects Maryland's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in Maryland — 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 Maryland employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.

Payback Calculator

Other License Costs in Maryland

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← All states: CPA License Costs
All certifications in Maryland · Payback period by state
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