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CPA License Cost in Massachusetts 2026: $1,266 Fees, $90K Salary

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

CPA License in Massachusetts — Key Numbers

$1,266
Upfront Cost
$90K
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 — Massachusetts

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 (Massachusetts) $63,250/yr
Salary with license (Massachusetts) $89,700/yr
5-year net ROI $131K

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

CPA License in Massachusetts — What to Know

Massachusetts 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 $90K median reflects Massachusetts's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in Massachusetts — 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 Massachusetts employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.

Payback Calculator

Other License Costs in Massachusetts

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