Business & Finance Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Tax Preparer Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median tax preparer salary in Buffalo, NY is $48,142 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 22.4% below the New York state average.

City Median
$48,142
vs State Avg
$-13,887
vs National
+$1,852
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median tax preparer salary of $48,142, which is $13,887 below the New York state average of $62,029. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Buffalo pays above average for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for tax preparers in Buffalo spans from $26,000 at the 10th percentile to $91,520 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,120, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,280. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
+$1,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,920
+$1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,280
+$3,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $26,000
25th Percentile $33,280
Median (50th) $48,142
75th Percentile $67,600
90th Percentile $91,520

Tax Preparer Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open tax preparer positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Buffalo, New York is $48,142 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $26,000 (10th percentile) to $91,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,142, a tax preparer in Buffalo earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Buffalo's median tax preparer salary of $48,142 is 22.4% below the New York state average of $62,029. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $48,142 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Buffalo? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Buffalo 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.