How much tax preparers earn in each state

Canva Tax season is upon us, and while it’s certainly a stressful time for all Americans, tax preparers are in the busiest part of their year. It’s a difficult job requiring top-notch organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with computer programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 83,000 tax preparers nationwide earn a median salary of $46,290. Median wages vary significantly by state, so if you’re considering pursuing tax preparation as a career, you should also consider where you want to live. Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank tax preparer earnings in every state. Delaware and Rhode Island were excluded from the analysis, as data was unavailable. Tax preparers prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses; the bureau’s job categorization excludes accountants and auditors. To qualify for a career as a tax preparer, you’ll typically need an associate degree or training at a vocational school, though you might be able to score a role with just a high school diploma. There are also a variety of certifications available that you can use to help boost your business–and potentially your income. These include Certified Income Tax Preparer and Enrolled Agent, among others. If you’re good with numbers, reliably keep track of important information, and are comfortable on a computer, a career as a tax preparer could be a good choice for you. You may also like: Jobs with the lowest divorce rates #48. Alabama Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 860 (4.46 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $13.61 – Median annual wage: $28,320 #47. Mississippi Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 720 (6.53 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $13.90 – Median annual wage: $28,900 #46. West Virginia Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 480 (7.34 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $13.95 – Median annual wage: $29,010 #45. Kentucky Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 770 (4.16 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $13.95 – Median annual wage: $29,020 #44. Tennessee Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1730 (5.78 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $14.26 – Median annual wage: $29,670 You may also like: 50 first jobs of famous actors #42. Arkansas (tie) Trong Nguyen // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1100 (9.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $14.52 – Median annual wage: $30,190 #42. Missouri (tie) Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1260 (4.61 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $14.51 – Median annual wage: $30,190 #41. Louisiana Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 1040 (5.83 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $14.55 – Median annual wage: $30,260 #40. Georgia Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 2200 (4.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $14.98 – Median annual wage: $31,150 #37. New Mexico turtix // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 400 (5.2 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $16.69 – Median annual wage: $34,720 #36. Oklahoma TLF Images // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1130 (7.23 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $17.02 – Median annual wage: $35,400 #35. South Carolina PQK // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1900 (9.2 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $17.31 – Median annual wage: $36,000 #34. Florida Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 840 (5.31 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $18.31 – Median annual wage: $38,080 You may also like: 50 most physical jobs in America #28. Virginia Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 2060 (5.49 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $18.43 – Median annual wage: $38,330 #27. South Dakota Hank Shiffman // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 340 (8.13 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $18.78 – Median annual wage: $39,070 #26. Pennsylvania Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 2960 (5.31 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $20.48 – Median annual wage: $42,600 #25. Maryland eurobanks // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1560 (6.11 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $20.56 – Median annual wage: $42,760 #24. Indiana Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 1740 (5.83 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $22.40 – Median annual wage: $46,600 You may also like: Youngest billionaires in America #23. Wisconsin James Meyer // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 1590 (5.76 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $22.42 – Median annual wage: $46,640 #22. Montana Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 310 (6.69 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $22.48 – Median annual wage: $46,770 #20. Illinois (tie) DiegoMariottini // Shutterstock – Total tax preparer jobs: 2490 (4.43 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $22.55 – Median annual wage: $46,910 #20. Vermont (tie) Canva – Total tax preparer jobs: 130 (4.51 per 10,000 jobs statewide) – Median hourly wage: $22.55 – Median annual wage: $46,910 #19. Maine