Home / City Job Salaries / Tax Preparer in Philadelphia

Tax Preparer Salary in Philadelphia, PA

How much does a tax preparer make in Philadelphia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$57,130
per year in Philadelphia
Entry Level
$35,460
Starting salary
Senior Level
$80,769
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how tax preparer salaries break down across different pay periods in Philadelphia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,460$57,130$80,769
Monthly$2,955$4,761$6,731
Biweekly$1,364$2,197$3,107
Weekly$682$1,099$1,553
Hourly$17$27$39

Philadelphia vs National Average

How Philadelphia's tax preparer salaries compare to national figures.

Philadelphia Salary
$57,130
COL Index: 113
National Average
$43,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$13,450
Higher in Philadelphia

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$55,824
per year
Population
1,603,797
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Philadelphia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Tax Preparer

Overview

Prepare income tax returns and advise clients on tax obligations.

Education

High school diploma; Enrolled Agent certification recommended

Key Skills

Tax PreparationTax KnowledgeAttention to DetailClient Communication

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Tax Preparer Salary

See Tax Preparer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$71,990
+26%
Los Angeles, CA
$74,670
+31%
Chicago, IL
$44,550
-22%
Houston, TX
$68,160
+19%
Phoenix, AZ
$43,710
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a tax preparer salary in Philadelphia.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Philadelphia.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Philadelphia.

Tax Preparer Salary in Philadelphia, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a tax preparer in Philadelphia, PA is $57,130 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Philadelphia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level tax preparer professionals in Philadelphia can expect to earn around $35,460 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level tax preparers earning approximately $80,769 per year. This represents a 128% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Philadelphia's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Philadelphia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $43,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a tax preparer's salary in Philadelphia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 34.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Tax Preparers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Philadelphia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.