Business & Finance North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in North Dakota

The median tax preparer salary in North Dakota is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$41,661
vs National
$-4,629
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,661 per year, tax preparers in North Dakota earn $4,629 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $41,661 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $22,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,200 — a $56,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $43,513.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $28,800
Median (50th) $41,661
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $79,200

Tax Preparer Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Tax Preparer make in North Dakota? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in North Dakota is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $79,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,661, a tax preparer in North Dakota earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for tax preparers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $25,200, while senior professionals earn $73,800.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. North Dakota's median of $41,661 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($41,661) and Michigan ($41,661).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in North Dakota earns approximately $25,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,800.
What city in North Dakota pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for tax preparers, with a median salary of $43,513. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.