Tax Preparers in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,210 | $50,560 | +44.8% vs US |
| State Rank | #3 of 52 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 10,700 jobs | 73,570 jobs | 14.5% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,560 | $20.94 |
| Median | $73,210 | $35.20 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,730 | $40.74 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,290 | $49.18 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Tax Preparers in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $73,210 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +58.4%, tax preparers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can tax preparers increase their salary in California?
Tax Preparers in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #3 out of 52 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Tax Preparers in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $109,770 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $88,250 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $88,250 |
How are Tax Preparers paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Tax Preparers in California is $73,210, which is 44.8% above the national median of $50,560.