Wyoming offers a thriving environment for accounting professionals, with strong job growth and competitive salaries. Whether you’re pursuing your CPA license or exploring accounting careers in the Equality State, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about education requirements, licensing steps, and career opportunities.
The Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants oversees CPA licensing in the state, requiring 150 semester hours of education, passage of the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of qualifying experience. With accounting jobs projected to grow 10.1% through 2028, Wyoming presents excellent opportunities for both new and experienced accounting professionals.
Wyoming CPA Requirements Overview
Becoming a CPA in Wyoming requires meeting specific educational, examination, and experience requirements set by the Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants. The state follows the standard 150-hour education requirement adopted nationwide, ensuring CPAs are well-prepared for the demands of modern accounting practice.
Key Requirements at a Glance:
- Education: 150 semester hours, including a bachelor’s degree
- Examination: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
- Experience: One year of qualifying public accounting experience
- Residency: No specific residency requirement for initial licensure
Wyoming CPAs must complete these requirements in sequence, with most candidates completing their experience requirement while pursuing additional education credits.
Education Requirements (150 Credit Hours)
Wyoming’s education requirements ensure CPAs have both broad business knowledge and specialized accounting expertise. The 150-hour requirement typically requires education beyond a traditional bachelor’s degree.
Specific Credit Requirements:
Qualifying Accounting Courses Include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial/Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
- Governmental/Not-for-Profit Accounting
Many candidates fulfill the 150-hour requirement by earning a master’s degree in accounting, which provides both the necessary credits and advanced preparation for the CPA exam.
CPA Exam Requirements in Wyoming
The Uniform CPA Exam tests candidates’ knowledge across four key areas of accounting practice. Wyoming candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window.
CPA Exam Sections:
Testing Locations in Wyoming:
While Wyoming doesn’t have a Prometric testing center within state borders, candidates typically test at nearby locations:
- Denver, Colorado (approximately 100 miles from Cheyenne)
- Fort Collins, Colorado (approximately 45 miles from Cheyenne)
- Billings, Montana (approximately 320 miles from Sheridan)
Wyoming candidates should apply through NASBA and can begin testing after completing their bachelor’s degree, though the license won’t be issued until all 150 hours are complete.
Experience Requirements for Wyoming CPAs
Wyoming requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience in public accounting under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must include a variety of accounting services to ensure well-rounded professional development.
Qualifying Experience Must Include:
- Auditing and attestation services
- Tax preparation and consultation
- Management advisory services
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Compilation and review services
The supervising CPA must:
- Hold an active CPA license
- Have at least five years of licensed experience
- Directly supervise and review the candidate’s work
- Submit verification of experience to the Board
Experience gained in private industry, government, or academia does not qualify unless it includes public accounting services provided to external clients.
Wyoming Accountant Salaries 2024
Wyoming offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals, with wages varying by position, experience, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 data, the state’s 2,580 employed accountants and auditors earn strong compensation across all experience levels.
Salary Ranges by Position:
Salaries by Specialization:
Entry-Level Accountants: Starting salaries typically range from $52,000 to $65,000, with higher wages in metropolitan areas like Cheyenne and Casper.
Senior Accountants and CPAs: Experienced professionals with CPA licenses command salaries between $77,400 and $93,350, with specialized skills in areas like forensic accounting or internal auditing earning premium compensation.
Controllers and CFOs: Executive-level positions offer the highest earning potential, with median salaries of $134,420 and top earners exceeding $239,200 annually.
Geographic Salary Variations:
Top Accounting Employers in Wyoming
While Wyoming doesn’t host Big Four accounting firm offices, the state offers diverse employment opportunities across multiple industries. The professional services, government, and energy sectors are particularly strong employers of accounting professionals.
Major Accounting Employers:
Public Accounting Firms:
- McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP – Regional firm with Cheyenne office
- Porter, Muirhead, Cornia & Howard – Full-service CPA firm
- Carver Florek & James, CPA’s – Local firm serving Wyoming businesses
Corporate Employers:
- Cloud Peak Energy – Mining industry (Gillette)
- Sinclair Oil Corporation – Energy sector (Sinclair)
- First Interstate Bank – Financial services (multiple locations)
- Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County – Healthcare (Rock Springs)
Government Agencies:
- Wyoming State Auditor’s Office
- Wyoming Department of Revenue
- Federal agencies, including the National Park Service (Yellowstone)
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services projects strong growth for accounting professionals through 2028, with approximately 220 annual job openings due to growth and replacement needs.
Growth by Industry Sector:
Key factors driving demand include:
- Increasing complexity of tax regulations
- Growing need for management accounting services
- Expansion of Wyoming’s technology sector
- Retirement of senior accounting professionals
CPA License Renewal and CPE Requirements
Wyoming CPAs must maintain their licenses through continuing professional education (CPE) and timely renewal. The state requires ongoing education to ensure CPAs stay current with evolving standards and regulations.
CPE Requirements:
- Annual Requirement: 120 hours over a three-year reporting period
- Minimum Annual Hours: 20 hours per year
- Ethics Requirement: 4 hours of ethics CPE per reporting period
- Acceptable Formats: Live instruction, self-study, webinars, conferences
License Renewal:
- Renewal Period: Annually by December 31
- Renewal Fee: $150 for active license
- CPE Reporting: Due with renewal application
- Late Penalties: $50 late fee plus possible disciplinary action
Steps to CPA Licensure in Wyoming
Follow this timeline to efficiently complete Wyoming’s CPA requirements:
Year 1-4: Undergraduate Education
- Complete bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
- Ensure 24 credits in accounting courses
- Maintain strong GPA for graduate school admission
Year 4-5: Additional Education
- Enroll in a master’s program or additional coursework
- Complete the remaining credits to reach 150 hours
- Apply for CPA exam through NASBA
Year 5-6: CPA Exam and Experience
- Pass all four CPA exam sections
- Begin accumulating qualifying experience
- Complete AICPA Ethics Exam
Final Steps:
- Submit license application to the Wyoming Board
- Provide official transcripts
- Submit experience verification
- Pay licensing fees
Resources for Wyoming CPA Candidates
Official Resources:
- Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants
- Phone: (307) 777-7551
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hathaway Building, 3rd Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Professional Organizations:
Educational Institutions:
- University of Wyoming – AACSB accredited accounting program
- Casper College – Associate degree programs
- Online programs from regionally accredited institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Wyoming?
Most candidates complete all requirements within 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional education (often a master’s degree), and 1 year gaining required experience while taking the CPA exam.
Can I start the CPA exam before completing 150 hours?
Yes, Wyoming allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after completing a bachelor’s degree (120 hours), but the license won’t be issued until all 150 hours are completed.
Does Wyoming have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Wyoming participates in CPA mobility provisions, allowing CPAs licensed in substantially equivalent states to practice in Wyoming without obtaining a separate license.
What’s the average CPA exam pass rate in Wyoming?
Wyoming candidates typically perform at or above the national average pass rate of approximately 50% for first-time test takers.
Are online accounting degrees accepted in Wyoming?
Yes, as long as the institution is regionally accredited and the program meets the Board’s educational requirements for content and credit hours.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
