Business & Finance New Mexico (NM) Rank #29 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in New Mexico

The median tax preparer salary in New Mexico is $43,050 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$43,050
vs National
$-3,240
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,050 per year, tax preparers in New Mexico earn $3,240 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $43,050 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $23,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,840 — a $58,590 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $50,919.

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 New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $26,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,260 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,040
$-1,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $23,250
25th Percentile $29,760
Median (50th) $43,050
75th Percentile $60,450
90th Percentile $81,840

Tax Preparer Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in New Mexico

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Tax Preparer make in New Mexico? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in New Mexico is $43,050 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $23,250 (10th percentile) to $81,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,050, a tax preparer in New Mexico earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for tax preparers? ▼
New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $26,040, while senior professionals earn $76,260.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. New Mexico's median of $43,050 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($43,976) and Idaho ($43,513).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in New Mexico earns approximately $26,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,260.
What city in New Mexico pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for tax preparers, with a median salary of $50,919. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.