Business & Finance Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Tax Preparer Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median tax preparer salary in Iowa City, IA is $43,976 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$43,976
vs State Avg
+$2,778
vs National
$-2,314
Cost of Living
95%

Tax Preparer Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median tax preparer salary of $43,976, which is $2,778 above the Iowa state average of $41,198. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for tax preparers in Iowa City spans from $23,750 at the 10th percentile to $83,600 at the 90th percentile — a $59,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,600, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $26,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $23,750
25th Percentile $30,400
Median (50th) $43,976
75th Percentile $61,750
90th Percentile $83,600

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open tax preparer positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $43,976 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $23,750 (10th percentile) to $83,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,976, a tax preparer in Iowa City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Iowa City's median tax preparer salary of $43,976 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $41,198. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $43,976 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Iowa City? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Iowa City 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.