Business & Finance Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Tax Preparer Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median tax preparer salary in Tacoma, WA is $50,919 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$50,919
vs State Avg
$-2,314
vs National
+$4,629
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median tax preparer salary of $50,919, which is $2,314 below the Washington state average of $53,233. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $27,500 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $69,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Tax Preparer Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $27,500
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $50,919
75th Percentile $71,500
90th Percentile $96,800

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open tax preparer positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Tacoma, Washington is $50,919 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $27,500 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,919, a tax preparer in Tacoma earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Tacoma's median tax preparer salary of $50,919 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $53,233. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $50,919 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Tacoma? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Tacoma 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.