CPA License Cost in Texas 2026: $1,276 Fees, $76K Salary
Getting a CPA license in Texas costs $1,276 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.7 months.
CPA License in Texas — Key Numbers
$1,276
Upfront Cost
$76K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$100
Renewal (every 1 yr)
0.7 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
CPA License Cost Breakdown — Texas
Exam fee
$976
Application fee
$150
Initial license fee
$150
Total upfront
$1,276
Renewal fee (every 1 yr)
$100
CE hours required per cycle
40 hours
Salary without license (Texas)
$53,900/yr
Salary with license (Texas)
$76,440/yr
5-year net ROI
$111K
Licensing body: Texas Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in Texas — What to Know
Texas CPAs work primarily in public accounting, corporate finance, and healthcare administration. The $76K median reflects the state's wage scale. The 150-hour education requirement and multi-section exam make CPA a multi-year path for most candidates in Texas. Big Four and regional accounting firms in the state's metros actively recruit and fund exam prep for new associates. The state license fees add $200–$400 to the total cost of certification.