How Many CPAs Are There in the USA?

Overview

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) play a crucial role in the financial world, offering services ranging from auditing and taxation to financial planning and consulting. Understanding the number of CPAs in the USA provides insight into the profession’s reach and significance.

Current Statistics

Metric	Value
Total Number of CPAs in the USA	Approximately 669,000
States with Highest CPA Density	California, New York, Texas
Average Age of CPAs	47 years
Gender Distribution	63% Male, 37% Female
CPAs in Public Accounting	44%
CPAs in Business and Industry	27%
CPAs in Government	10%
CPAs in Education	5%
CPAs in Other Fields	14%

Estimated Number of CPAs by State

State	Estimated Number of CPAs
California	100,000
New York	90,000
Texas	85,000
Florida	45,000
Illinois	40,000
Pennsylvania	35,000
Ohio	30,000
New Jersey	25,000
Georgia	20,000
North Carolina	18,000
Virginia	15,000
Washington	14,000
Massachusetts	12,000
Michigan	11,000
Arizona	10,000
Maryland	9,000
Colorado	8,000
Minnesota	7,500
Missouri	7,000
Wisconsin	6,500
Tennessee	6,000
Indiana	5,500
South Carolina	5,000
Alabama	4,500
Kentucky	4,000
Louisiana	3,500
Oklahoma	3,000
Oregon	2,500
Iowa	2,000
Nevada	1,500
Utah	1,200
Arkansas	1,000
Mississippi	800
New Hampshire	700
West Virginia	600
Nebraska	500
Idaho	450
Maine	400
Rhode Island	350
Montana	300
Delaware	250
South Dakota	200
North Dakota	150
Vermont	100
Wyoming	80
Alaska	70
Hawaii	60

Key Points

• High Demand: The demand for CPAs continues to grow due to increasing financial regulations, tax laws, and the need for financial transparency.
• Geographic Distribution: States like California, New York, and Texas have the highest number of CPAs, reflecting their large economies and business hubs.
• Diverse Roles: CPAs work in various sectors, including public accounting, business, government, and education, showcasing the versatility of the CPA credential.
• Professional Associations: Organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) play an important role in maintaining standards, providing continuing education, and advocating for the profession.
• Continued Education: CPAs are required to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain their licenses, ensuring they stay updated with the latest industry standards and practices.

If you plan to become a CPA, check our review of Becker and Surgent.