Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderFinance

Tax Preparers

Median Salary
49,010
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

70%

Self-employed

24%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

2%

Private not for profit

1%

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$25,360

10%

$49,010

Median

$76,850

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    31%

  • Bachelor's degree

    31%

  • Some college

    18%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    13%

  • Less than high school

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Accounting
  • Taxation
  • Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Economics and Accounting
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

See All Related Occupations
Government and Public Administration

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

Show More

Median Salary

58,530

Job Outlook

+11%
Finance

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Show More

Median Salary

79,880

Job Outlook

+6%
Finance

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

Show More

Median Salary

99,580

Job Outlook

+7%
Business Management and Administration

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Show More

Median Salary

47,440

Job Outlook

-5%
Human Services

Credit Counselors

Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.

Show More

Median Salary

48,570

Job Outlook

+5%
1/5