Tax Preparers vs. Accountants and Auditors: Who Earns More?
Accountants and Auditorss out-earn Tax Preparerss by $29K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Tax Preparerss land at $54,920 and Accountants and Auditorss at $83,680. The education gap is real: tax preparer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while accountants and auditor programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Tax Preparerss is New York ($71,850); for Accountants and Auditorss it's District of Columbia ($111,530).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Tax Preparers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Tax Preparerss or Accountants and Auditorss?
Accountants and Auditorss earn more nationally. The median is $54,920 for Tax Preparerss versus $83,680 for Accountants and Auditorss, a difference of $29K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Tax Preparers or Accountants and Auditors?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Tax Preparers or Accountants and Auditors?
Tax Preparers typically requires bachelor's degree. Accountants and Auditors requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Tax Preparerss get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Tax Preparerss at $71,850/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Tax Preparers vs. Accountants and Auditors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Tax Preparerss earn $71,850 vs. $102,640 for Accountants and Auditorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.