What is the salary of a Tax Preparer?

The typical salary range is $35,392 - $70,784 per year.

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Is Tax Preparer a good fit for someone like me?

Finance & LegalStableBright Outlook

Tax Preparer

Operational-level

Also known as: Corporate Tax Preparer, CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Credentialed Tax Expert, Credentialed Tax Professional

Finance & LegalBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Tax Preparer, you prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. This means carefully reading tax rules, listening to client details, and using math to ensure accuracy. You'll spend much of your day sitting, working with tax software, and communicating with clients via phone or in person. This role suits you if you are highly accurate, enjoy detailed work, and like helping people manage their finances.

TaxationAccountingTax PreparationFinancial ReportingFinanceBusinessLegalAnalysisBusiness Administration

A Day in the Life

You arrive at your small, busy tax firm in downtown Milwaukee, the smell of coffee already in the air. First, you power up your computer, logging into UltraTax CS and checking your email for any urgent client messages or updates to tax codes. Your calendar for the day, neatly printed, shows a mix of individual returns and a complex small business filing. A quick 'good morning' to Sarah, another preparer, as you settle into your ergonomic chair, preparing for a day focused on precision.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Intuit QuickBooks Intuit TurboTax Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

In-demand software

Intuit TurboTaxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareTax compliance property tax management softwareTax software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+4.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

9,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

95,800

in 2025 → 100,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Tax Preparers is stable, with about 9,400 job openings expected each year. The field is projected to grow by 4.7% through 2035. With an Associate's Degree, you can enter this role and potentially advance to positions like Tax Advisor or Financial Analyst.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Comptable débutant
Assistant comptable
Commis aux comptes

Tax Preparer

Where it can lead

Conseiller fiscal
Analyste financier
Comptable agréé

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will largely automate routine data entry, reconciliation, and the preparation of simpler tax returns, significantly reducing demand for basic preparer roles. This will shift the profession towards higher-value activities like complex tax planning, advisory services, and audit support. Tax preparers must upskill in areas like AI tool proficiency, financial strategy, and client relationship management to remain competitive.

Salary

$54,920

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position