Tax Preparer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median tax preparer salary in Columbia, SC is $41,661 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Tax Preparer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median tax preparer salary of $41,661, which is $463 above the South Carolina state average of $41,198. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $79,200 at the 90th percentile — a $56,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Tax Preparer Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,800 |
| Median (50th) | $41,661 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $79,200 |
Tax Preparer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Tax Preparer in Columbia
Education
Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Columbia
Browse open tax preparer positions in Columbia, SC: