CPA License Cost in New York 2026: $1,730 Fees, $92K Salary
Getting a CPA license in New York costs $1,730 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.8 months.
CPA License in New York — Key Numbers
$1,730
Upfront Cost
$92K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$125
Renewal (every 1 yr)
0.8 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
CPA License Cost Breakdown — New York
Exam fee
$976
Application fee
$377
Initial license fee
$377
Total upfront
$1,730
Renewal fee (every 1 yr)
$125
CE hours required per cycle
40 hours
Salary without license (New York)
$64,900/yr
Salary with license (New York)
$92,040/yr
5-year net ROI
$134K
Licensing body: New York Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in New York — What to Know
New York 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 $92K median reflects New York's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in New York — 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 York employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.