Tax Preparer Salary in Memphis, TN: $39,809 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median tax preparer salary of $39,809, which is $1,389 below the Tennessee state average of $41,198. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $39,809 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Memphis spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $54,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Tax Preparer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,080

$-3,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$21,500	$22,250	$25,000
25th Percentile	$27,520	$28,480	$32,000
Median (50th)	$39,809	$41,198	$46,290
75th Percentile	$55,900	$57,850	$65,000
90th Percentile	$75,680	$78,320	$88,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$21,500

25th Percentile

$27,520

Median (50th)

$39,809

75th Percentile

$55,900

90th Percentile

$75,680

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $39,809 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,809, a tax preparer in Memphis earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Memphis's median tax preparer salary of $39,809 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $41,198. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $39,809 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Memphis? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Memphis 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.

Tax Preparer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee