Tax Preparers Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $74,670 +47.7% vs national
Median hourly $35.90
10th percentile $36,250
90th percentile $102,220
Employed locally 4,240
National median $50,560

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Tax Preparers
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, tax preparers earn a median annual salary of $74,670, which is significantly higher than the national median of $50,560 for this occupation. This salary represents approximately 79% of the local area's median household income of $93,525. The relatively high earnings for tax preparers in Los Angeles reflect both the cost of living and the demand for professional services in a major metropolitan area. Despite a local unemployment rate of 5.40%, the estimated employment of 4,240 suggests a stable market presence for this profession within the region.

    Entry-level tax preparers in Los Angeles earn around $36,250 annually, at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience and higher skill levels can earn upwards of $102,220 per year, at the 90th percentile. The significant wage disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by several factors including expertise, years of experience, specialization in complex tax matters, and the ability to manage a larger client base. Experienced preparers often handle more complicated tax filings or operate independently, which commands higher compensation reflective of their specialized skills and responsibilities.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,250
    25th
    $48,410
    50th (median)
    $74,670
    75th
    $86,720
    90th
    $102,220

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Tax Preparers salary vs area income 80% Median Tax Preparers salary is 20% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Tax Preparers make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Tax Preparers in Los Angeles, CA is $35.90, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $51.32 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Tax Preparers salaries?

    The median Tax Preparers salary in Los Angeles, CA is 47.7% above the national median of $50,560. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Tax Preparers in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Tax Preparers (10th percentile) earn around $36,250 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,410.