Business & Finance West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in West Virginia

The median tax preparer salary in West Virginia is $38,884 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$38,884
vs National
$-7,406
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Tax Preparer salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,884 per year, tax preparers in West Virginia earn $7,406 less than the national median of $46,290.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $38,884 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,290 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $21,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,920 — a $52,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in West Virginia for this role is Morgantown, where the median reaches $41,661.

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 West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $21,000
25th Percentile $26,880
Median (50th) $38,884
75th Percentile $54,600
90th Percentile $73,920

Tax Preparer Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for tax preparers in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Tax Preparer in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Tax Preparer make in West Virginia? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in West Virginia is $38,884 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $21,000 (10th percentile) to $73,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,884, a tax preparer in West Virginia earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for tax preparers? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $23,520, while senior professionals earn $68,880.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. West Virginia's median of $38,884 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($39,809) and Arkansas ($38,884).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in West Virginia earns approximately $23,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,880.
What city in West Virginia pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for tax preparers, with a median salary of $41,661. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.