Business & Finance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Tax Preparer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median tax preparer salary in Rockford, IL is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$40,735
vs State Avg
$-6,018
vs National
$-5,555
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median tax preparer salary of $40,735, which is $6,018 below the Illinois state average of $46,753. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,735 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,677 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Rockford spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $77,440 at the 90th percentile — a $55,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,640, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $28,160
Median (50th) $40,735
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $77,440

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$52,771
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$52,308
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$46,753
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$42,124
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Rockford

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open tax preparer positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,735, a tax preparer in Rockford earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Rockford's median tax preparer salary of $40,735 is 12.9% below the Illinois state average of $46,753. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $40,735 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Rockford? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Rockford 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.