Business & Finance Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Tax Preparer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median tax preparer salary in Erie, PA is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$40,735
vs State Avg
$-5,555
vs National
$-5,555
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median tax preparer salary of $40,735, which is $5,555 below the Pennsylvania state average of $46,290. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $40,735 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,494 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Erie spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $77,440 at the 90th percentile — a $55,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,640, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $28,160
Median (50th) $40,735
75th Percentile $57,200
90th Percentile $77,440

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$49,067
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$45,364
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,901
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$42,587
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Erie

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Erie

Browse open tax preparer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Erie

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $40,735 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,735, a tax preparer in Erie earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Erie's median tax preparer salary of $40,735 is 12% below the Pennsylvania state average of $46,290. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $40,735 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Erie? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Erie 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.