Business & Finance Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Tax Preparer Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median tax preparer salary in Charleston, SC is $46,290 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$46,290
vs State Avg
+$5,092
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median tax preparer salary of $46,290, which is $5,092 above the South Carolina state average of $41,198. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $25,000 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% 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

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

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

Tax Preparer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Charleston

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Charleston

Browse open tax preparer positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Charleston, South Carolina 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 Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,290, a tax preparer in Charleston earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Charleston's median tax preparer salary of $46,290 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $41,198. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $46,290 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Charleston? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Charleston 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.