Deciding whether to pursue a CPA or a Master’s (MAcc/MSA) first depends on your need for the 150-hour rule and your career timing. Generally, obtaining a Master’s first is ideal for meeting credit requirements and studying, while getting the CPA first or simultaneously is better for immediate career advancement, as the CPA license holds more weight than a master's degree in accounting.
You do not need a masters to take the CPA. Most people do the masters because it keeps them on a directed path to having all required hours to sit for CPA. If your 150 hours includes all requirements for taking the CPA, then just take the CPA.
Even if you decide not to obtain both an MBA and a CPA license, there isn't a “best” or “worst” option. You should choose the path that most excites you. Both an MBA and a CPA will create a number of career options for you, many of which are lucrative. You should go with the passion that drives you.
What is the best order to take CPA exams in 2026? Yes, many candidates find that starting with FAR, followed by AUD, then REG, and finishing with a discipline section is the most effective sequence. This order builds a strong foundation and keeps topic overlap fresh between sections.
Second, an advanced accounting degree may also help you secure a higher salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights the value of graduate education. According to BLS data from 2024, professionals with master's degrees earn an average of 19.2% more than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Students should take the CPA exams between 2-3 months. If using 2 months to study, this will provide room to retake 1-2 exams and still finish within 12 months. If a student takes 3 months per exam, then they will need to pass each exam on the first try to pass in 12 months.
Con: Accounting Can Be Stressful at Times
Accountants are under high “stress during busy seasons, especially during tax season, when the hours can be very long,” says Dr. Machuca. Despite the benefits, an accounting career often brings tight deadlines, long hours, and high volumes of work during the annual tax season.
Earn a master's degree.
While candidates can sit for the Uniform CPA exam with a bachelor's degree (120 semester hours), many states require 150 hours of education to obtain CPA licensure. A master's degree in accounting satisfies the 150-hour requirement.
Because CPAs have more specialized skills, legal authority, and education, organizations often pay them higher salaries. CPAs also have even further expanded job opportunities — both in the U.S. and internationally — working their way up to titles like CFO or tax advisor.
Becoming certified is a lot like getting a law license. It's proof that you've mastered the vital elements of your profession through years of academic and technical training. As a CPA, you'll also have access to jobs with higher authority and responsibility — and you'll enjoy greater career stability.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPAs earn 10% to 25% more than non-certified accountants. However, salaries of CPAs and non-certified accountants vary by industry. They can be higher than average in industries experiencing a lot of growth, such as financial technology or software.
Key Takeaways
Lawyers typically earn more than accountants, especially right out of school. Both professions offer opportunities in public and private sectors. Becoming a CPA involves specialized study and a state exam, but it's not always required.
Top 10 Toughest Exams in the United States
The CPA credential remains a cornerstone of the profession, but new data indicate its prominence is steadily declining. Between 2020 and 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses across all firms dropped from 56.0 percent to 48.4 percent.
Comparison between CA and CPA
It is difficult to determine which of these professions offers a higher salary, as the salary of a CA or CPA can vary greatly based on several factors. However, in general, CAs tend to earn slightly more than CPAs in India.
It's never too late to become a CPA. In fact, you may find the process more manageable at this stage in life.
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.