Financial Analyst
Median wage · national
$102,740
Range: $79K – $133K
Employed
362K
Openings/yr
25K
Typically: bachelor's degree
BUSINESS
Tax Preparers
Tax Preparers earn $54,920 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $38,910 and $76,300. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
- Median Wage
- $54,920
- Employed Nationally
- 76K
- Openings / Year
- 10,400
- Entry Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Zone
- Zone 3: Medium Preparation
Also known as:
Corporate Tax Preparer
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
Credentialed Tax Expert
Credentialed Tax Professional
Enrolled Agent
How Much Do Tax Preparers Make?
Tax Preparers earn $54,920 nationally, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,910 and $76,300. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$54,920
National Median (Annual)
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$39K–$76K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$38,910
Entry-level
$54,920
Median
$76,300
Experienced
What Do Tax Preparers Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Tax Preparers roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
- Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
- Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Learning
Who Thrives Here
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
E
Enterprising
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
S
Social
Working closely with people, teaching, advising, or helping others navigate challenges is a defining feature of this career's daily work.
Where Do Tax Preparers Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Tax Preparers?
The BLS projects +4.5% employment change for Tax Preparers through 2034, roughly in line with the national average of +5%. About 10,400 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +4.5%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
About as fast as average.
10,400
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
76K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Tax Preparers professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $54,920 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 10,700 | $73,210 | +33.3% |
| 2 | New York | 6,880 | $73,230 | +33.3% |
| 3 | Texas | 5,930 | $61,510 | +12.0% |
| 4 | Florida | 3,490 | $48,790 | -11.2% |
| 5 | North Carolina | 2,550 | $47,700 | -13.1% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Tax Preparers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The 2 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone
Zone 3: Medium Preparation
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accounting | 84,760 | $76,194 | 2,112 |
| 2 | Taxation | 1,257 | — | 125 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Tax Preparers
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 2 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 3 | North Florida College Madison, FL | 91 | $804 | $33,929 |
| 4 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN | 90 | $15,846 | $91,565 |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | 90 | $11,655 | $72,200 |
| 6 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA | 90 | $14,741 | $80,838 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Tax Preparers, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Tax Preparers pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Tax Preparers Pros & Cons
The data on Tax Preparers shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
PROS
- Steady job outlook The BLS projects +4.5% growth through 2034, keeping pace with the national average. Demand is stable and annual openings remain consistent.
- Accessible entry path The typical entry requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, lower than many comparable-paying careers. This creates a shorter path from training to first paycheck.
CONS
- Modest median salary At $54,920 median, this career lags STEM and business fields. High-cost degree programs may be difficult to justify on salary alone.
- Entry-level pay well below the national median The 25th percentile wage of $38,910 is considerably below the $54,920 median. Early-career workers typically spend 5 or more years building toward typical pay. Factor this into any program ROI calculation.
Tax Preparers Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Tax Preparers professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Tax Preparers is $54,920, below the national median, program ROI depends heavily on keeping tuition costs low. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,910 and $76,300. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Tax Preparers a good career?
Tax Preparers involves trade-offs worth understanding before committing. At $54,920 median, programs with high tuition are difficult to justify on salary return alone. Prioritize in-state public schools or employer-sponsored pathways. Job growth is projected at +4.5% through 2034. Genuine interest in the work, not just the salary, matters most here.
How do I become a Tax Preparers?
Most Tax Preparers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum credential. a medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience. Programs like Accounting are common starting points.
What is the job outlook for Tax Preparers?
The BLS projects +4.5% employment change for Tax Preparers through 2034, about as fast as average compared to all occupations. About 10,400 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 76K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Tax Preparers professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Tax Preparers roles: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, and Active Learning. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
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