Business & Finance Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Hawaii

The median tax preparer salary in Hawaii is $78,693 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$78,693
vs National
+$32,403
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for tax preparers seeking high pay. At $78,693 per year, tax preparers in Hawaii earn $32,403 more than the national median of $46,290.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $78,693 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $46,290.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $42,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,600 — a $107,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $81,008.

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 Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $47,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,400 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,600
+$19,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$33,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,400
+$57,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $42,500
25th Percentile $54,400
Median (50th) $78,693
75th Percentile $110,500
90th Percentile $149,600

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Hawaii is $78,693 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $42,500 (10th percentile) to $149,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,693, a tax preparer in Hawaii earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $47,600, while senior professionals earn $139,400.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Hawaii's median of $78,693 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($65,732) and California ($63,880).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Hawaii earns approximately $47,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $139,400.
What city in Hawaii pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for tax preparers, with a median salary of $81,008. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.