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Tax Preparers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Tax Preparers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$70,030
Median Annual Salary
▼
-4.3% vs 2024
$71,540
Mean Salary
$70,030
Median Salary
$33.67
Hourly Rate
10,270 people work as Tax Preparers in California
Tax Preparers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Tax Preparers in California earn a median salary of $70,030 per year ($5,835/month).
This is 38.6% above the national average of $50,522.
California ranks #2 out of 48 states for Tax Preparers pay.
Approximately 10,270 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 4.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.5
Speaking
3.25
Mathematics
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
Economics and Accounting
3.86
English Language
3.68
Computers and Electronics
3.45
Law and Government
3.45
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(31.8% of workers)
Salaries for Tax Preparers in California range from $38,910 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $104,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,420 and $84,890.
Median $70,030
P10: $38,910P25: $47,420P75: $84,890P90: $104,000
10th
$38,910
25th
$47,420
Median
$70,030
75th
$84,890
90th
$104,000
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,910
$18.71
$3,242
25th Percentile
$47,420
$22.80
$3,951
Median (50th)
$70,030
$33.67
$5,835
75th Percentile
$84,890
$40.81
$7,074
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$104,000
$50.00
$8,666
Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,540 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Tax Preparers in California is $70,030 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $71,540.
What is the salary range for a Tax Preparers in California?
Salaries for Tax Preparers in California range from $38,910 at the 10th percentile to $104,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,420 and $84,890.
What is the starting salary for a Tax Preparers in California?
Entry-level Tax Preparers positions in California typically start around $38,910 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,420 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Tax Preparers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 10,270 people are employed as Tax Preparers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Tax Preparers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Tax Preparers in California is approximately $33.67 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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