Tax Preparer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $41,198 (2026)

Tax Preparer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median tax preparer salary of $41,198, which is $2,778 below the North Carolina state average of $43,976. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $41,198 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,905 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Winston-Salem spans from $22,250 at the 10th percentile to $78,320 at the 90th percentile — a $56,070 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,920, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,980. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,980 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,920

$-3,080 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$42,720

$-5,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$72,980

$-9,020 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$22,250	$23,750	$25,000
25th Percentile	$28,480	$30,400	$32,000
Median (50th)	$41,198	$43,976	$46,290
75th Percentile	$57,850	$61,750	$65,000
90th Percentile	$78,320	$83,600	$88,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$22,250

25th Percentile

$28,480

Median (50th)

$41,198

75th Percentile

$57,850

90th Percentile

$78,320

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $41,198 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,250 (10th percentile) to $78,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $41,198, a tax preparer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median tax preparer salary of $41,198 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $43,976. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $41,198 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Tax Preparer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina