Tax Preparers

SOC code 13-2082 · O*NET-SOC 13-2082.00 · Medium preparation needed · Business and finance

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Tax Preparers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$54,920

a year

Hourly

$26.40

per hour

10th$33,760Median$54,92090th$99,270

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,930

$29.30 per hour

Middle 50%

$38,910 – $76,300

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$33,760 – $99,270

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

76,480

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $33,760; $16.23/hr
25th percentile: $38,910; $18.71/hr
Median percentile: $54,920; $26.40/hr
75th percentile: $76,300; $36.68/hr
90th percentile: $99,270; $47.72/hr

What does a tax preparer do?

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.

How to become a tax preparer

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 38% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)38%
Post-Secondary Certificate24%
Bachelor's Degree24%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%

Common questions

How much does a tax preparer earn?

The national median is $54,920 a year. The full range runs from $33,760 at the 10th percentile to $99,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a tax preparer without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.5/5
Speaking3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Writing3.0/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Economics and Accounting3.9/5
English Language3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Law and Government3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Administrative3.2/5
Education and Training2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Service Orientation.