Holding your CPA and/or CMA license could earn you higher wages according to a 2011 salary survey from the Institute of Management Accountants.  The Institute found that professionals with a CPA license or a CMA designation earn substantially more than those without certifications.  The average total compensation in 2010 for both CPA and CMA is $135,695, which is over $27,000 more than those without certification (the difference was found statistically significant).  Additionally, professionals with both a CPA and a CMA designation had an even greater compensation differential, averaging $35,764 higher than those without designations.  The complete IMA report in this link shows these higher expectations.