Business & Finance Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Tax Preparer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median tax preparer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $49,067 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$49,067
vs State Avg
+$2,777
vs National
+$2,777
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median tax preparer salary of $49,067, which is $2,777 above the Pennsylvania state average of $46,290. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for tax preparers in Philadelphia spans from $26,500 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $66,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,680, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,920. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Tax Preparer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $29,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,880
+$2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,920
+$4,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $26,500
25th Percentile $33,920
Median (50th) $49,067
75th Percentile $68,900
90th Percentile $93,280

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$45,364
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$44,901
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$42,587
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$40,735
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Philadelphia

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open tax preparer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $49,067 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $26,500 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,067, a tax preparer in Philadelphia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median tax preparer salary of $49,067 is 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average of $46,290. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $49,067 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Philadelphia 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.