📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Tax Preparer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$72,534
per year
Median
$62,878
per year
Hourly
$34.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$44,107
25th Percentile — Junior$61,550
50th Percentile — Median$62,878
75th Percentile — Senior$100,797
90th Percentile — Top Earners$116,805
💡 Top-earning Tax Preparers in California make up to $116,805 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$64.1k
2021
$65.7k
2022
$67.4k
2023
$69.0k
2024
$70.8k
2025
$72.5k
2026
📈 Tax Preparer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Tax Preparer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $112,428 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $107,350 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $124,758 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $134,188 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $78,337 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $88,491 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $105,174 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $78,337 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $102,998 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $101,548 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $92,844 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $85,590 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $112,428 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $85,590 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $81,238 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $88,491 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $83,414 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $107,350 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $116,054 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Tax Preparer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Tax Preparers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $72,534 per year, California's Tax Preparer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $44,107–$61,550, while experienced Tax Preparers can command $100,797–$116,805.

Looking ahead, the Tax Preparer profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Tax Preparer salary in California is $72,534 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $51,080.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Tax Preparers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Tax Preparer employment.
  • At $72,534/year, California Tax Preparer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $51,080/year.