Business & Finance Texas (TX) Rank #31 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Texas

The median tax preparer salary in Texas is $42,587 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$42,587
vs National
$-3,703
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $42,587 per year, tax preparers in Texas earn $3,703 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $42,587 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $23,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,960 — a $57,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $48,605.

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for tax preparers across the country.

Tax Preparer Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $25,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,760
$-2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $23,000
25th Percentile $29,440
Median (50th) $42,587
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $80,960

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Texas

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Texas

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Texas

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Texas? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Texas is $42,587 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $23,000 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,587, a tax preparer in Texas earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $25,760, while senior professionals earn $75,440.
How does Texas compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Texas's median of $42,587 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($43,050) and Nebraska ($42,587).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Texas earns approximately $25,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,440.
What city in Texas pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for tax preparers, with a median salary of $48,605. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.