How much does a tax preparer make?
a year · about $26 an hour
A typical tax preparer in the United States makes $54,920 a year, about $26 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They meet clients, ask about income and expenses, and check records for missing or mismatched details. Then they use tax software and tax rules to work out what is owed, prepare returns, and explain the result.
Did you know? O*NET reports that 55% of surveyed tax preparers have seasonal schedules, so their work happens mostly at certain times of the year.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $33,760 and $99,270How do you become one?
Most start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn in a course or on the job. Get an IRS PTIN before preparing federal returns for pay; some states add rules, and enrolled agents pass a three-part exam.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, credentials such as EA or CPA, employer, and location. More complex or specialized returns can require more skill, and seasonal or part-time work changes how many hours someone is paid for.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($71,850), lowest in Arkansas ($35,040).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $33,760 | $54,920 | $99,270 | about 76,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $71,850 | about 8,000 |
| California | $70,030 | about 10,000 |
| Utah | $66,720 | about 1,000 |
| Missouri | $62,780 | about 1,000 |
| Colorado | $62,620 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Excludes “Accountants and Auditors” (13-2011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2082.00
- www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers
- www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132082.htm
- www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/eitc-central/due-diligence-requirements-for-tax-pr
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY