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Tax Preparer Salary in Tacoma, WA

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

Median Salary
$45,700
per year in Tacoma
Entry Level
$28,366
Starting salary
Senior Level
$64,610
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
131
31% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,366$45,700$64,610
Monthly$2,364$3,808$5,384
Biweekly$1,091$1,758$2,485
Weekly$546$879$1,243
Hourly$14$22$31

Tacoma vs National Average

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

Tacoma Salary
$45,700
COL Index: 131
National Average
$43,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$2,020
Higher in Tacoma

Cost of Living in Tacoma

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
220,778
residents
Rent % of Income
36.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 131 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tacoma 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
+58%
Los Angeles, CA
$74,670
+63%
Chicago, IL
$44,550
-3%
Houston, TX
$68,160
+49%
Phoenix, AZ
$43,710
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Tax Preparer Salary in Tacoma, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a tax preparer in Tacoma, WA is $45,700 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 131. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tacoma's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level tax preparer professionals in Tacoma can expect to earn around $28,366 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level tax preparers earning approximately $64,610 per year. This represents a 128% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tacoma's cost of living index of 131 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Tacoma 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 Tacoma typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 49.9% 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 Tacoma, 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.