Business & Finance Maine (ME) Rank #21 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Maine

The median tax preparer salary in Maine is $45,364 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$45,364
vs National
$-926
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #21 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for tax preparer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $45,364 per year, tax preparers in Maine earn $926 less than the national median of $46,290.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning tax preparer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $24,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,240 — a $61,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $49,993.

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for tax preparers across the country.

Tax Preparer Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $27,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,440
$-560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $24,500
25th Percentile $31,360
Median (50th) $45,364
75th Percentile $63,700
90th Percentile $86,240

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Maine

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Maine

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Maine? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Maine is $45,364 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $24,500 (10th percentile) to $86,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,364, a tax preparer in Maine earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Maine ranks #21 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $27,440, while senior professionals earn $80,360.
How does Maine compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Maine's median of $45,364 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($45,827) and Florida ($45,364).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Maine earns approximately $27,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,360.
What city in Maine pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for tax preparers, with a median salary of $49,993. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.