Business & Finance Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Tax Preparer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median tax preparer salary in Houston, TX is $44,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$44,438
vs State Avg
+$1,851
vs National
$-1,852
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median tax preparer salary of $44,438, which is $1,851 above the Texas state average of $42,587. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $60,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,720. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Tax Preparer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-1,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $30,720
Median (50th) $44,438
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $84,480

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Houston

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Houston

Browse open tax preparer positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Houston

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Houston, Texas is $44,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,438, a tax preparer in Houston earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Houston's median tax preparer salary of $44,438 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $42,587. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $44,438 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Houston? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Houston 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.