Careers · Tax Preparers · California
Tax Preparers in California
Tax preparers help individuals and small business owners complete and file their tax returns. They work in accounting firms, tax preparation offices, or independently, organizing financial documents and calculating tax obligations In California the median pay is $70,030 a year, 28% above the national median of $54,920.
$70,030median pay in California, per year
$47,420–$84,890middle half earn
10,270employed in California
$54,920U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tax preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tax preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive LearningTime ManagementWritingMathematics
Knowledge areas
Economics and AccountingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematics (knowledge)Law and GovernmentComputers and Electronics
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Tax Preparers.
Licenses and training in California
Tax Preparers pay in other states
New York · $71,850Utah · $66,720Montana · $63,080Missouri · $62,780Colorado · $62,620Alaska · $62,360New Hampshire · $61,370Oregon · $61,370Pennsylvania · $61,270Nevada · $60,000
Related occupations
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue AgentsAccountants and AuditorsAppraisers of Personal and Business PropertyAppraisers and Assessors of Real EstateBudget AnalystsCredit AnalystsFinancial and Investment AnalystsPersonal Financial Advisors
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tax preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tax preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2082.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.