Tax Preparer Salary in Cleveland, OH: $39,809 (2026)

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

Cleveland offers a median tax preparer salary of $39,809, which is $1,852 below the Ohio state average of $41,661. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $39,809 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Cleveland spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $54,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,080

$-3,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$21,500	$22,500	$25,000
25th Percentile	$27,520	$28,800	$32,000
Median (50th)	$39,809	$41,661	$46,290
75th Percentile	$55,900	$58,500	$65,000
90th Percentile	$75,680	$79,200	$88,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$21,500

25th Percentile

$27,520

Median (50th)

$39,809

75th Percentile

$55,900

90th Percentile

$75,680

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $39,809 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,809, a tax preparer in Cleveland earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Cleveland's median tax preparer salary of $39,809 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $41,661. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $39,809 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Cleveland? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, Ohio