Business & Finance Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #18 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median tax preparer salary in Pennsylvania is $46,290 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$46,290
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for tax preparer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $46,290 per year, tax preparers in Pennsylvania earn $0 more than the national median of $46,290.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning tax preparer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $25,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,000 — a $63,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $49,067.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $46,290? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $25,000
25th Percentile $32,000
Median (50th) $46,290
75th Percentile $65,000
90th Percentile $88,000

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Tax Preparers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $35,710 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Tax Preparer Roles in Pennsylvania?

Get matched with recruiters hiring tax preparers in Pennsylvania at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Pennsylvania is $46,290 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $25,000 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,290, a tax preparer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $28,000, while senior professionals earn $82,000.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Pennsylvania's median of $46,290 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($46,753) and Vermont ($46,753).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $28,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,000.
What city in Pennsylvania pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for tax preparers, with a median salary of $49,067. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.