Business & Finance Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Arkansas

The median tax preparer salary in Arkansas is $38,884 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$38,884
vs National
$-7,406
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,884 per year, tax preparers in Arkansas earn $7,406 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $38,884 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $21,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,920 — a $52,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $40,735.

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for tax preparers across the country.

Tax Preparer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $21,000
25th Percentile $26,880
Median (50th) $38,884
75th Percentile $54,600
90th Percentile $73,920

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Arkansas

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Arkansas is $38,884 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,000 (10th percentile) to $73,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,884, a tax preparer in Arkansas earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $23,520, while senior professionals earn $68,880.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Arkansas's median of $38,884 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($40,272) and Oklahoma ($39,809).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Arkansas earns approximately $23,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,880.
What city in Arkansas pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for tax preparers, with a median salary of $40,735. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.