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
$54,920
$4,577/mo
Entry Level
$36,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$78,300
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Tax Preparers (SOC 13-2082) at a national median of $54,920 per year (mean $60,930), or $26.40 per hour, with 76,480 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
76K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$26.40/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,577
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
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/hr
Tax Preparer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Tax Preparer field.
Entry-level Tax Preparers earn around $36,200, while the top 10% earn $88,800 or more.
Top Paying States for Tax Preparers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $65,000 | +$10,080 |
| New York | $63,000 | +$8,080 |
| Illinois | $57,000 | +$2,080 |
| Texas | $54,000 | $-920 |
| Florida | $54,000 | $-920 |
Top Paying Cities for Tax Preparers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,000 | +$10,080 |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | +$7,080 |
| Chicago | $58,000 | +$3,080 |
| Miami | $56,000 | +$1,080 |
| Houston | $54,000 | $-920 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Tax Preparer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Tax Preparer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Tax Preparer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Tax Preparer from entry level to expert.
$36,200
0-2 years
$57,000
3-7 years
$78,300
8-14 years
$99,300
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Tax Preparer Salary FAQ
How much does a Tax Preparer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Tax Preparer in the United States is $54,920 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Tax Preparers (SOC 13-2082); the mean is $60,930. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $36,200, senior professionals around $78,300, and top earners at $99,300 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Tax Preparer?
A Tax Preparer typically requires a Certificate with 0-1 year of experience. Key skills include Tax Software, Federal Tax Code, State Taxes. Relevant certifications such as PTIN or EA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Tax Preparers?
The job market for Tax Preparers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 76K Tax Preparer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Tax Preparers the most?
The highest-paying states for Tax Preparers include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $65,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Tax Preparer salary?
To increase your Tax Preparer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Tax Software and Federal Tax Code. Pursue certifications such as PTIN. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-1 year of experience, you can progress from $36,200 to $78,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Tax Preparer Salary
How we calculate Tax Preparer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Tax Preparers (SOC 13-2082), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $54,920, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Tax Preparers; BLS mean $60,930; BLS hourly median $26.40.
- Entry-level ($36,200) and senior-level ($78,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 76,480 Tax Preparers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Finance sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Certificate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $54,920; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Tax Preparer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Tax Preparer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Tax Preparer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Tax Software, Federal Tax Code, State Taxes), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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