Tax Preparer Salary in 2026
Tax preparers help individuals and small businesses file accurate tax returns, maximizing deductions and ensuring compliance with tax laws. They interpret tax codes and manage client documents.
Median Salary
$47,000
$3,917/mo
Entry Level
$31,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$67,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Tax Preparer Overview
Tax preparers help individuals and small businesses file accurate tax returns, maximizing deductions and ensuring compliance with tax laws. They interpret tax codes and manage client documents.
Education
Certificate
Experience
0-1 year
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
280K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$22.60/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,917
Tax Preparer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Tax Preparer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Tax Preparer Salary
$55,000
$4,583/month · $2,115/biweekly · $26.44/hr
Tax Preparer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Tax Preparer field.
Entry-level Tax Preparers earn around $31,000, while the top 10% earn $76,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Tax Preparers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $55,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $54,000 | +$7,000 |
| Illinois | $49,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $46,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $46,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Tax Preparers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $55,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $53,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $49,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $48,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $47,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Tax Preparer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Tax Preparer from entry level to expert.
$31,000
0-2 years
$49,000
3-7 years
$67,000
8-14 years
$85,000
15+ years
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Tax Preparer Salary FAQ
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