Business & Finance Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Tax Preparer Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median tax preparer salary in Springfield, IL is $42,124 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 9.9% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$42,124
vs State Avg
$-4,629
vs National
$-4,166
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median tax preparer salary of $42,124, which is $4,629 below the Illinois state average of $46,753. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $42,124 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,558 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Springfield spans from $22,750 at the 10th percentile to $80,080 at the 90th percentile — a $57,330 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,620. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,620 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $22,750
25th Percentile $29,120
Median (50th) $42,124
75th Percentile $59,150
90th Percentile $80,080

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
Rockford, IL
$40,735
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Springfield

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Springfield

Browse open tax preparer positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Springfield

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Springfield, Illinois is $42,124 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,750 (10th percentile) to $80,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,124, a tax preparer in Springfield earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Springfield's median tax preparer salary of $42,124 is 9.9% below the Illinois state average of $46,753. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $42,124 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Springfield? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Springfield 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.