California ranks 3rd of 50 states and D.C. for tax preparers pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($77,010) by $3,800 — a 5% gap.
Tax Preparers are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.24 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.24× the national share.
California employs roughly 14.5% of all tax preparers in the country (10,700 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| 25th percentile | $43,560 | $20.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $73,210 | $35.20 |
| 75th percentile | $84,730 | $40.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,290 | $49.18 |
| Mean (average) | $69,980 | $33.65 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $73,210 | n/a |
| Alaska | $77,010 | +5% |
| New York | $73,230 | +0% |
| Montana | $71,370 | -3% |
| Minnesota | $65,530 | -10% |
| Colorado | $62,860 | -14% |
| Texas | $61,510 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $60,340 | -18% |
| Virginia | $59,220 | -19% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $72,960 | 45,740 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $72,930 | 44,750 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $73,510 | 6,710 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $73,840 | 25,790 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | $73,860 | 6,010 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $73,920 | 141,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Tax Preparers salary in California?
The mean tax preparers salary in California is $69,980 per year. The median (middle) salary is $73,210 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Tax Preparers in California?
Entry-level tax preparerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $36,250 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,560 per year.
What is the highest Tax Preparers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $102,290 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $84,730 per year.
How does the California Tax Preparers salary compare to the national average?
The median tax preparers salary in California is $73,210, which is +45% above national average of $50,560.