Salary distribution
Where Illinois tax preparers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $34,300 and $61,500, with a median of $39,220.
Tax Preparers pay by experience level in Illinois
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Illinois over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
- 3.7 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- 02
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- 03
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
- 04
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
- 05
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
- 06
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
- 07
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
- 08
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for tax preparers in major Illinois metropolitan areas.
- Chicago$44,550
Compare Tax Preparers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Tax Preparers in Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Tax Preparers in Illinois is $39,220.
- How does Illinois compare to the national median for Tax Preparers?
- The Illinois median is -28.9% versus the BLS national figure of $55,180.
- What is the salary range for Tax Preparers in Illinois?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $31,090 and the 90th-percentile at $81,570, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Tax Preparers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Tax Preparers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.