Business & Finance Colorado (CO) Rank #15 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Colorado

The median tax preparer salary in Colorado is $48,605 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$48,605
vs National
+$2,315
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #15 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for tax preparer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $48,605 per year, tax preparers in Colorado earn $2,315 more than the national median of $46,290.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning tax preparer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $26,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,400 — a $66,150 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $59,251.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $26,250
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $48,605
75th Percentile $68,250
90th Percentile $92,400

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Colorado

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Colorado? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Colorado is $48,605 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $26,250 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,605, a tax preparer in Colorado earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Colorado ranks #15 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $86,100.
How does Colorado compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Colorado's median of $48,605 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($49,530) and Delaware ($49,067).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Colorado earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,100.
What city in Colorado pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for tax preparers, with a median salary of $59,251. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.