Business & Finance Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Tax Preparer Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median tax preparer salary in Arlington, VA is $63,417 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median and 25.7% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$63,417
vs State Avg
+$12,961
vs National
+$17,127
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median tax preparer salary of $63,417, which is $12,961 above the Virginia state average of $50,456. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $63,417 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,043. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for tax preparers in Arlington spans from $34,250 at the 10th percentile to $120,560 at the 90th percentile — a $86,310 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,360, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,340. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $38,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,340 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,360
+$10,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,760
+$17,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,340
+$30,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $34,250
25th Percentile $43,840
Median (50th) $63,417
75th Percentile $89,050
90th Percentile $120,560

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$49,530
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$48,605
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$47,679
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$46,753
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Arlington

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Arlington

Browse open tax preparer positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Arlington

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Arlington, Virginia is $63,417 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $34,250 (10th percentile) to $120,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,417, a tax preparer in Arlington earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Arlington's median tax preparer salary of $63,417 is 25.7% above the Virginia state average of $50,456. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $63,417 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Arlington? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Arlington 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.