Tax Preparer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $81,008 (2026)

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

Honolulu offers a median tax preparer salary of $81,008, which is $2,315 above the Hawaii state average of $78,693. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,008 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,290. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for tax preparers in Honolulu spans from $43,750 at the 10th percentile to $154,000 at the 90th percentile — a $110,250 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,000

+$21,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,000

+$36,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$143,500

+$61,500 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$43,750	$42,500	$25,000
25th Percentile	$56,000	$54,400	$32,000
Median (50th)	$81,008	$78,693	$46,290
75th Percentile	$113,750	$110,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$154,000	$149,600	$88,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$43,750

25th Percentile

$56,000

Median (50th)

$81,008

75th Percentile

$113,750

90th Percentile

$154,000

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $81,008 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $43,750 (10th percentile) to $154,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,008, a tax preparer in Honolulu earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Honolulu's median tax preparer salary of $81,008 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $78,693. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $81,008 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Honolulu? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Honolulu 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.

Tax Preparer Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii