Business & Finance Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Missouri

The median tax preparer salary in Missouri is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$40,735
vs National
$-5,555
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,735 per year, tax preparers in Missouri earn $5,555 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $40,735 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $22,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,440 — a $55,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $42,587.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $28,160
Median (50th) $40,735
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $77,440

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Missouri? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Missouri is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,735, a tax preparer in Missouri earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $24,640, while senior professionals earn $72,160.
How does Missouri compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Missouri's median of $40,735 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($41,198) and Tennessee ($41,198).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Missouri earns approximately $24,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,160.
What city in Missouri pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for tax preparers, with a median salary of $42,587. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.