Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Tax Preparers
SOC: 13-2082 O*NET: 13-2082.00
Median Salary
$50,560
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.5%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
What does a Tax Preparers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$30,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$37,750
25th percentile
Median
$50,560
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,590
75th percentile
Top Earners
$96,240
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$30,500
25th
$37,750
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$50,560
Mean: $58,860
75th
$75,590
90th
$96,240
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $65,740 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $37,750 and $75,590
- •Salary spread is 74.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 73,570 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:90,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services97.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services97.3%
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services95.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.5%
Annual Openings:10,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)90,600
Current
2034 (Projected)94,700
+4.5%
+4,100
Employment Change
+4.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Tax Preparers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
10,700 jobs$73,2101.24x
New York
6,880 jobs$73,2301.51x
Texas
5,930 jobs$61,5100.90x
Florida
3,490 jobs$48,7900.75x
North Carolina
2,550 jobs$47,7001.09x
Pennsylvania
2,480 jobs$47,3400.86x
Arizona
2,480 jobs$43,7101.63x
New Jersey
2,460 jobs$56,4401.21x
Colorado
2,420 jobs$62,8601.75x
Virginia
2,200 jobs$59,2201.13x
Michigan
2,010 jobs$46,8700.96x
Georgia
1,940 jobs$41,7800.84x
Massachusetts
1,800 jobs$58,7201.04x
Oklahoma
1,690 jobs$37,8602.09x
Indiana
1,660 jobs$46,4301.09x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Active Learning
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Time Management
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Service Orientation
54%
#9
Mathematics
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Learning
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Time Management
intermediate3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Service Orientation
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Credit Analysts82%
5 shared skills
Gambling Cage Workers82%
5 shared skills
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping82%
5 shared skills
Tellers82%
5 shared skills
Billing and Posting Clerks80%
5 shared skills
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Writing
- →Service Orientation
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Tax Preparers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)General Responsibilities (7)Planning & Development (1)
1
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development100% perform100%
2
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on training & development activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Tax Preparers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Tax Preparers professionals typically have a CES Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
EEnterprising
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Tax Preparers
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.70
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.30
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.11
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.95
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.95
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Concern for Others
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
Initiative
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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