CPA License Cost in New Jersey 2026: $1,266 Fees, $90K Salary
Getting a CPA license in New Jersey costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.
CPA License in New Jersey — 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 — New Jersey
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 (New Jersey)
$63,250/yr
Salary with license (New Jersey)
$89,700/yr
5-year net ROI
$131K
Licensing body: New Jersey Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in New Jersey — What to Know
New Jersey 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 New Jersey's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in New Jersey — 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 New Jersey employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.