Business & Finance Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Michigan

The median tax preparer salary in Michigan is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$41,661
vs National
$-4,629
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,661 per year, tax preparers in Michigan earn $4,629 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $41,661 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $22,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,200 — a $56,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $48,605.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $28,800
Median (50th) $41,661
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $79,200

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Michigan? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Michigan is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $79,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,661, a tax preparer in Michigan earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $25,200, while senior professionals earn $73,800.
How does Michigan compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Michigan's median of $41,661 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($42,124) and Indiana ($41,661).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Michigan earns approximately $25,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,800.
What city in Michigan pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for tax preparers, with a median salary of $48,605. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.