Pursuing a CPA License in Texas opens doors to a rewarding career in accounting, offering diverse opportunities and competitive salaries. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Texas are in high demand, serving industries ranging from energy to technology in a state known for its robust economy. This article explores the career paths available to CPAs in Texas, salary expectations, and why now is an excellent time to earn your CPA license.

Why Pursue a CPA License in Texas?

Texas is a powerhouse in the national economy, hosting over 50 Fortune 500 companies, including giants like AT&T, American Airlines, and ExxonMobil. With its thriving business environment, the demand for skilled accountants is strong, particularly those with a CPA License in Texas. CPAs are trusted professionals who ensure financial integrity, manage complex accounting needs, and provide strategic financial advice.

A CPA license enhances your credibility, opens doors to senior-level positions, and can increase your earning potential by up to 15% compared to non-certified accountants. Whether you’re interested in public accounting, corporate finance, or specialized fields like forensic accounting, a CPA License in Texas is a valuable credential.

Career Opportunities for CPAs in Texas

Earning a CPA License in Texas unlocks a wide range of career paths. Here are some of the most prominent opportunities:

1. Public Accounting

CPAs in public accounting firms provide services like auditing, tax preparation, and consulting. Firms in Texas, such as the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), have a strong presence in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, offering opportunities to work with diverse clients.

2. Corporate Accounting

Many CPAs work in-house for corporations, managing financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. Texas’s energy sector, tech industry, and healthcare organizations rely on CPAs to navigate complex financial landscapes.

3. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants investigate financial discrepancies and fraud, often working with law firms or government agencies. This field is growing in Texas due to the state’s large corporate base.

4. Government and Nonprofit Roles

CPAs in Texas can work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations, ensuring compliance with regulations and managing public funds. These roles often offer stability and meaningful work.

5. Financial Advisory and Consulting

With a CPA License in Texas, you can provide financial advisory services, helping businesses optimize tax strategies, manage risks, or plan for growth. Consulting roles are highly lucrative, especially in Texas’s entrepreneurial hubs like Austin.

Salary Expectations for CPAs in Texas

A CPA License in Texas significantly boosts earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors in Texas earn a median annual salary of approximately $80,000, with CPAs often commanding higher salaries due to their expertise. Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by role and experience level:

  • Entry-Level CPAs: Starting salaries for CPAs in Texas typically range from $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the industry and location. Entry-level roles in public accounting firms often offer rapid career progression.
  • Mid-Level CPAs: With 5-10 years of experience, CPAs can earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, particularly in high-demand areas like Houston or Dallas.
  • Senior-Level CPAs: Experienced CPAs in leadership roles, such as financial controllers or CFOs, can earn $120,000 to $200,000 or more, especially in corporate or consulting roles.
  • Specialized Roles: CPAs in niche fields like forensic accounting or tax consulting may earn premiums, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 for seasoned professionals.

Salaries vary by location, with metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin offering higher pay due to the concentration of businesses. Additionally, CPAs with advanced skills in data analytics or technology may command even higher salaries.

Requirements for a CPA License in Texas

To earn a CPA License in Texas, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). These include:

  • Education: A bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours of college credit, including 27 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of business-related courses. A board-approved three-semester-hour ethics course is also required. Note that only 120 semester hours are needed to sit for the CPA Exam, allowing candidates to complete the remaining hours later.
  • CPA Exam: Passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
  • Work Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of full-time, non-routine accounting work under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Part-time work is acceptable if it totals 2,000 hours within two consecutive years.
  • Ethics Exam: A passing score of 85% or higher on the open-book Texas Rules of Professional Conduct exam, emailed to candidates after passing the CPA Exam.
  • Background Check: Completion of a fingerprint-based background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI.

Starting September 1, 2025, Texas will offer an alternative licensure pathway, allowing candidates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, two years of work experience, and a passing CPA Exam score to obtain their license without the full 150 credit hours. This change aims to address the accounting talent shortage while maintaining high standards.

Maintaining Your CPA License in Texas

To maintain a CPA License in Texas, CPAs must renew their license annually by the last day of their birth month and complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every three years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year. Additionally, a four-hour ethics course is required every two years from a TSBPA-registered provider. These requirements ensure CPAs stay current with industry trends and regulations.

Why Now Is the Time to Earn Your CPA License in Texas

Texas’s growing economy and recent legislative changes make 2025 an ideal time to pursue a CPA License in Texas. The new alternative licensure pathway, effective September 1, 2025, reduces barriers for aspiring CPAs, making the credential more accessible. Additionally, the accounting profession is evolving, with increasing demand for CPAs skilled in technology, data analytics, and advisory services.

The CPA License in Texas also offers flexibility. There are no residency or citizenship requirements, allowing candidates from anywhere to apply. With online degree programs, such as those offered by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi or the University of Texas Permian Basin, candidates can meet educational requirements conveniently while working.

How to Get Started

  • Verify Eligibility: Submit an Application of Intent to the TSBPA to confirm you meet the educational requirements.
  • Prepare for the CPA Exam: Use reputable CPA review courses like Becker or UWorld to study for the four-part exam.
  • Gain Work Experience: Secure a position under a licensed CPA to fulfill the experience requirement.
  • Complete the Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct exam.
  • Apply for Licensure: Submit your Application for Issuance of the CPA Certificate with all required documentation.

For detailed guidance, visit the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy website at www.tsbpa.texas.gov or contact them at 512-305-7800.

Conclusion

Earning a CPA License in Texas is a strategic move for accountants seeking career growth and financial rewards. With diverse opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, and specialized fields, CPAs in Texas are well-positioned to thrive in a dynamic economy. Competitive salaries, combined with the state’s business-friendly environment, make Texas an ideal place to build a successful accounting career. Start your journey today and unlock the potential of a CPA License in Texas!