Business & Finance Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Tax Preparer Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median tax preparer salary in Independence, MO is $39,347 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$39,347
vs State Avg
$-1,388
vs National
$-6,943
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median tax preparer salary of $39,347, which is $1,388 below the Missouri state average of $40,735. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $39,347 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,291 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Independence spans from $21,250 at the 10th percentile to $74,800 at the 90th percentile — a $53,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,800, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,700. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $23,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $21,250
25th Percentile $27,200
Median (50th) $39,347
75th Percentile $55,250
90th Percentile $74,800

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$42,587
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$41,661
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$40,735
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$37,958
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Independence

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Independence

Browse open tax preparer positions in Independence, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Independence

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Independence, Missouri is $39,347 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,250 (10th percentile) to $74,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,347, a tax preparer in Independence earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Independence's median tax preparer salary of $39,347 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $40,735. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $39,347 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Independence? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Independence 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.