Business & Finance Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Tax Preparer Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median tax preparer salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $37,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$37,032
vs State Avg
$-1,389
vs National
$-9,258
Cost of Living
80%

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

Hattiesburg offers a median tax preparer salary of $37,032, which is $1,389 below the Mississippi state average of $38,421. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $37,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Hattiesburg spans from $20,000 at the 10th percentile to $70,400 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,400, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,600. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $22,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $20,000
25th Percentile $25,600
Median (50th) $37,032
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $70,400

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open tax preparer positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $37,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $20,000 (10th percentile) to $70,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,032, a tax preparer in Hattiesburg earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median tax preparer salary of $37,032 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $38,421. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $37,032 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Hattiesburg 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.