Tax Preparer Salary in Owensboro, KY: $37,958 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median tax preparer salary of $37,958, which is $2,314 below the Kentucky state average of $40,272. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $37,958 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Owensboro spans from $20,500 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $51,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,960, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,240. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $22,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$39,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,240

$-14,760 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$20,500	$21,750	$25,000
25th Percentile	$26,240	$27,840	$32,000
Median (50th)	$37,958	$40,272	$46,290
75th Percentile	$53,300	$56,550	$65,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$76,560	$88,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$20,500

25th Percentile

$26,240

Median (50th)

$37,958

75th Percentile

$53,300

90th Percentile

$72,160

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $37,958 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $20,500 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $37,958, a tax preparer in Owensboro earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Owensboro's median tax preparer salary of $37,958 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $40,272. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $37,958 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most tax preparer positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky