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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Tax Preparers salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Memphis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$33,900
Mean annual$41,600
Range (10th to 90th)$27,550 to $72,790
Memphis, Tennessee employment190
State vs national-38.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Memphis tax preparers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$27,55025TH$27,570MEDIAN$33,90075TH$51,69090TH$72,790

The middle 50% of workers earn between $27,570 and $51,690, with a median of $33,900.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • Economics and Accounting

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.7 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.

  2. 02

    Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.

  3. 03

    Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.

  4. 04

    Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.

  5. 05

    Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

  6. 06

    Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.

  7. 07

    Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.

  8. 08

    Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.

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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for tax preparers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Tax Preparers in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Tax Preparers in the Memphis metropolitan area is $33,900.
Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Tax Preparers?
The Memphis metro median is -4.9% versus the Tennessee state median of $35,640.
How does Memphis compare to the national median for Tax Preparers?
The Memphis metro median is -38.6% versus the BLS national figure of $55,180.
What is the salary range for Tax Preparers in Memphis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $27,550 and the 90th-percentile at $72,790 for the Memphis metro area.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Memphis CBSA boundary 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.