Business & Finance Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Tax Preparer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median tax preparer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $67,583 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$67,583
vs State Avg
+$3,703
vs National
+$21,293
Cost of Living
146%

Tax Preparer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median tax preparer salary of $67,583, which is $3,703 above the California state average of $63,880. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,583 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,290. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for tax preparers in Los Angeles spans from $36,500 at the 10th percentile to $128,480 at the 90th percentile — a $91,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,880, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,720. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Tax Preparer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $40,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,880
+$12,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,080
+$22,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,720
+$37,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $36,500
25th Percentile $46,720
Median (50th) $67,583
75th Percentile $94,900
90th Percentile $128,480

Tax Preparer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$84,248
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$77,767
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$65,732
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$54,622
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Los Angeles

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open tax preparer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Los Angeles, California is $67,583 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $36,500 (10th percentile) to $128,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,583, a tax preparer in Los Angeles earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median tax preparer salary of $67,583 is 5.8% above the California state average of $63,880. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $67,583 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Los Angeles require a high school diploma. Key skills include Tax Law, Tax Software, Financial Records, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.