Tax Preparer Salary in Waipahu, HI: $74,990 (2026)

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

Waipahu offers a median tax preparer salary of $74,990, which is $3,703 below the Hawaii state average of $78,693. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $74,990 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,290. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for tax preparers in Waipahu spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $142,560 at the 90th percentile — a $102,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,840. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,360

+$17,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$77,760

+$29,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$132,840

+$50,840 vs national

Percentile	Waipahu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$40,500	$42,500	$25,000
25th Percentile	$51,840	$54,400	$32,000
Median (50th)	$74,990	$78,693	$46,290
75th Percentile	$105,300	$110,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$142,560	$149,600	$88,000

Percentile

Waipahu

10th Percentile

$40,500

25th Percentile

$51,840

Median (50th)

$74,990

75th Percentile

$105,300

90th Percentile

$142,560

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Waipahu

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Waipahu 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 Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Waipahu

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

The median tax preparer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $74,990 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $142,560 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $74,990, a tax preparer in Waipahu earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Waipahu's median tax preparer salary of $74,990 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $78,693. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

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

Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $74,990 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most tax preparer positions in Waipahu 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 Waipahu, Hawaii