CPA License Cost in Washington 2026: $1,266 Fees, $94K Salary
Getting a CPA license in Washington costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.
CPA License in Washington — Key Numbers
$1,266
Upfront Cost
$94K
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 — Washington
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 (Washington)
$66,000/yr
Salary with license (Washington)
$93,600/yr
5-year net ROI
$137K
Licensing body: Washington Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in Washington — What to Know
Washington 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 $94K median reflects Washington's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in Washington — 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 Washington employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.