Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Tax Preparer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median tax preparer salary in Chicago, IL is $52,308 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$52,308
vs State Avg
+$5,555
vs National
+$6,018
Cost of Living
107%

Tax Preparer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $31,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,640
+$3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,240
+$6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,660
+$10,660 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $28,250
25th Percentile $36,160
Median (50th) $52,308
75th Percentile $73,450
90th Percentile $99,440

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$52,771
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$46,753
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$42,124
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$40,735
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Chicago

Education

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