How much does a tax preparer make?
Answer: A typical tax preparer in the United States makes $54,920 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 76,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Tax preparer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a tax preparer do?
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Excludes “Accountants and Auditors” (13-2011).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
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.
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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