Business & Finance Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Tax Preparer Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median tax preparer salary in Athens, GA is $42,587 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$42,587
vs State Avg
$-1,389
vs National
$-3,703
Cost of Living
90%

Tax Preparer Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median tax preparer salary of $42,587, which is $1,389 below the Georgia state average of $43,976. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for tax preparers in Athens spans from $23,000 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $57,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,760, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,760
$-2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $23,000
25th Percentile $29,440
Median (50th) $42,587
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $80,960

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Athens

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Athens and the surrounding Georgia 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 Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Athens

Browse open tax preparer positions in Athens, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Athens

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Athens, Georgia is $42,587 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $23,000 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,587, a tax preparer in Athens earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Athens's median tax preparer salary of $42,587 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $43,976. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $42,587 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Athens? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Athens 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.