Tax Preparer Salary in Parkersburg, WV: $37,032 (2026)

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

Parkersburg offers a median tax preparer salary of $37,032, which is $1,852 below the West Virginia state average of $38,884. Compared to the national median of $46,290, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $37,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,290 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for tax preparers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for tax preparers in Parkersburg spans from $20,000 at the 10th percentile to $70,400 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,400, while senior tax preparers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,600. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Tax Preparer Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $22,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$38,400

$-9,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$65,600

$-16,400 vs national

Percentile	Parkersburg	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$20,000	$21,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$25,600	$26,880	$32,000
Median (50th)	$37,032	$38,884	$46,290
75th Percentile	$52,000	$54,600	$65,000
90th Percentile	$70,400	$73,920	$88,000

Percentile

Parkersburg

10th Percentile

$20,000

25th Percentile

$25,600

Median (50th)

$37,032

75th Percentile

$52,000

90th Percentile

$70,400

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Parkersburg

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

The median tax preparer salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $37,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $20,000 (10th percentile) to $70,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $37,032, a tax preparer in Parkersburg earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for tax preparer pay? ▼

Parkersburg's median tax preparer salary of $37,032 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $38,884. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a tax preparer salary of $37,032 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Parkersburg? ▼

Most tax preparer positions in Parkersburg 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.

Tax Preparer Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia