Tax Preparer Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median tax preparer salary in Durham, NC is $45,364 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 3.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Tax Preparer Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median tax preparer salary of $45,364, which is $1,388 above the North Carolina state average of $43,976. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $24,500 at the 10th percentile to $86,240 at the 90th percentile — a $61,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,440, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,360. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Tax Preparer Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $27,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $24,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,360 |
| Median (50th) | $45,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,240 |
Tax Preparer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Tax Preparer in Durham
Education
Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Durham
Browse open tax preparer positions in Durham, NC: