How much tax preparers earn in each state
Canva
How much tax preparers earn in each state
A person using a calculator to complete a tax form.
Tax season is upon us, and while it’s certainly a stressful time for all Americans, tax preparers are in the busiest part of their year.
It’s a difficult job requiring top-notch organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with computer programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 83,000 tax preparers nationwide earn a median salary of $46,290.
Median wages vary significantly by state, so if you’re considering pursuing tax preparation as a career, you should also consider where you want to live.
Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank tax preparer earnings in every state. Delaware and Rhode Island were excluded from the analysis, as data was unavailable. Tax preparers prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses; the bureau’s job categorization excludes accountants and auditors.
To qualify for a career as a tax preparer, you’ll typically need an associate degree or training at a vocational school, though you might be able to score a role with just a high school diploma. There are also a variety of certifications available that you can use to help boost your business—and potentially your income. These include Certified Income Tax Preparer and Enrolled Agent, among others.
If you’re good with numbers, reliably keep track of important information, and are comfortable on a computer, a career as a tax preparer could be a good choice for you.
You may also like: Jobs with the lowest divorce rates
Canva
#48. Alabama
The Mobile skyline as seen at dusk.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 860 (4.46 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $13.61
– Median annual wage: $28,320
Canva
#47. Mississippi
A parking garage and buildings in downtown Jackson.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 720 (6.53 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $13.90
– Median annual wage: $28,900
Canva
#46. West Virginia
An aerial view of New River Gorge, West Virginia.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 480 (7.34 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $13.95
– Median annual wage: $29,010
Canva
#45. Kentucky
Downtown Louisville as seen at night.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 770 (4.16 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $13.95
– Median annual wage: $29,020
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
#44. Tennessee
Cars parked along the street in Johnson City.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1730 (5.78 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.26
– Median annual wage: $29,670
You may also like: 50 first jobs of famous actors
Trong Nguyen // Shutterstock
#42. Arkansas (tie)
A scenic suburb in Ozark.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1100 (9.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.52
– Median annual wage: $30,190
Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock
#42. Missouri (tie)
The St. Louis Gateway Arch in Missouri.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1260 (4.61 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.51
– Median annual wage: $30,190
Canva
#41. Louisiana
New Orleans near the water at dusk.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1040 (5.83 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.55
– Median annual wage: $30,260
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
#40. Georgia
A view of Atlanta’s skyline from Lake Meer in Piedmont Park.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2660 (6.07 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.64
– Median annual wage: $30,450
Canva
#38. Iowa (tie)
An aerial view of Iowa City on a sunny day.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 650 (4.35 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.98
– Median annual wage: $31,150
You may also like: 25 richest families in America
Canva
#38. Ohio (tie)
Columbus’ skyline as seen on a sunny day from across the Scioto River.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2200 (4.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $14.98
– Median annual wage: $31,150
turtix // Shutterstock
#37. New Mexico
Residential suburbs in Albuquerque.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 400 (5.2 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $16.69
– Median annual wage: $34,720
TLF Images // Shutterstock
#36. Oklahoma
Buildings along U.S. Route 66 in Oklahoma.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1130 (7.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $17.02
– Median annual wage: $35,400
PQK // Shutterstock
#35. South Carolina
The scenic river view and waterfront houses in North Myrtle Beach.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1900 (9.2 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $17.31
– Median annual wage: $36,000
FotosForTheFuture // Shutterstock
#34. Florida
An aerial view of Boca Raton’s coastline.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 6880 (8 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $17.51
– Median annual wage: $36,410
You may also like: The most common jobs in America today
Canva
#33. Nebraska
Train tracks as seen outside Omaha at night.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 470 (4.9 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $17.79
– Median annual wage: $37,000
Lisa Eastman // Shutterstock
#32. Kansas
A large home in Kansas.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 780 (5.79 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $17.93
– Median annual wage: $37,290
Canva
#31. North Carolina
An aerial view of Charlotte on a sunny day.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1950 (4.41 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $18.14
– Median annual wage: $37,720
Canva
#30. Hawaii
The coastline and luxury hotels and apartments in Honolulu.
– Total tax preparer jobs: Not available
– Median hourly wage: $18.27
– Median annual wage: $37,990
Canva
#29. Connecticut
Hartford’s skyline as seen from a distance.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 840 (5.31 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $18.31
– Median annual wage: $38,080
You may also like: 50 most physical jobs in America
Canva
#28. Virginia
The skyline of Richmond at sunset.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2060 (5.49 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $18.43
– Median annual wage: $38,330
Hank Shiffman // Shutterstock
#27. South Dakota
The western suburbs of Rapid City.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 340 (8.13 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $18.78
– Median annual wage: $39,070
Canva
#26. Pennsylvania
A neighborhood in Pennsylvania.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2960 (5.31 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $20.48
– Median annual wage: $42,600
eurobanks // Shutterstock
#25. Maryland
Pedestrians strolling on a boardwalk in Ocean City.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1560 (6.11 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $20.56
– Median annual wage: $42,760
Canva
#24. Indiana
An aerial view of Indianapolis at sunset.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1740 (5.83 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.40
– Median annual wage: $46,600
You may also like: Youngest billionaires in America
James Meyer // Shutterstock
#23. Wisconsin
A residential neighborhood in Bayview.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1590 (5.76 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.42
– Median annual wage: $46,640
Canva
#22. Montana
Buildings in Billings with scenic hills in the background.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 310 (6.69 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.48
– Median annual wage: $46,770
DiegoMariottini // Shutterstock
#20. Illinois (tie)
Skyscrapers and Lake Michigan in Chicago.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2490 (4.43 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.55
– Median annual wage: $46,910
Canva
#20. Vermont (tie)
Buildings lining a street in downtown Burlington.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 130 (4.51 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.55
– Median annual wage: $46,910
Canva
#19. Maine
The waterfront with ferry’s docked in Portland.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 310 (5.29 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.62
– Median annual wage: $47,040
You may also like: America’s most and least trusted professions
Canva
#18. Oregon
Portland at sunset with a mountain in the background.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1420 (7.78 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.69
– Median annual wage: $47,180
Brandon Burris // Shutterstock
#17. Arizona
A highway leading into downtown Phoenix.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 2140 (7.43 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.72
– Median annual wage: $47,270
Canva
#15. Idaho (tie)
Cars driving down Capitol Boulevard in Boise.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 390 (5.2 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.75
– Median annual wage: $47,320
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
#15. Nevada (tie)
An aerial View of Carson City.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 600 (4.67 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.75
– Median annual wage: $47,320
Canva
#14. New York
A street-level view of New York City at night.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 6610 (7.62 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $22.84
– Median annual wage: $47,510
You may also like: The unemployment rate the year you turned 16
Canva
#13. North Dakota
Buildings in Fargo as seen at night.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 150 (3.78 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $23.06
– Median annual wage: $47,960
Canva
#12. Utah
Salt Lake City as seen from afar on a sunny day.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 750 (4.84 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $23.16
– Median annual wage: $48,170
Canva
#11. Michigan
An aerial view of downtown Deroit at dusk.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1500 (3.7 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $23.18
– Median annual wage: $48,210
Canva
#10. Washington
An aerial view of Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1900 (5.93 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $23.35
– Median annual wage: $48,560
Canva
#9. New Hampshire
The skyline in downtown Manchester at dusk.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 570 (9.04 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $23.35
– Median annual wage: $48,570
You may also like: Jobs with the highest fatality rates in the US
Canva
#8. California
A road leading into Silicon Valley.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 8310 (5.03 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $24.71
– Median annual wage: $51,400
f11photo // Shutterstock
#7. New Jersey
An aerial view of Jersey City at sunset.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1620 (4.21 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $25.89
– Median annual wage: $53,850
719production // Shutterstock
#6. Minnesota
A neighborhood in Minneapolis.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1360 (4.96 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $26.78
– Median annual wage: $55,700
Canva
#5. Colorado
An aerial view of downtown Denver on a sunny day.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1780 (6.8 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $27.17
– Median annual wage: $56,510
Roschetzky Photography // Shutterstock
#4. Texas
An aerial view of Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 9980 (8.16 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $28.57
– Median annual wage: $59,430
You may also like: Jobs that might not exist in 50 years
Canva
#3. Wyoming
Buildings in Casper as seen at night.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 60 (2.3 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $28.94
– Median annual wage: $60,190
Canva
#2. Massachusetts
An aerial view of downtown Boston at dusk.
– Total tax preparer jobs: 1730 (5.1 per 10,000 jobs statewide)
– Median hourly wage: $29.25
– Median annual wage: $60,840
CREATISTA // Shutterstock
#1. Alaska
A historic residential neighborhood in Ketchikan.
– Total tax preparer jobs: Not available
– Median hourly wage: $38.20
– Median annual wage: $79,450
