Specialization in corporate or HNW personal tax. Seasonal load, high billable rates.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Tax Accountants. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $64,400 | $48,700 | $86,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $80,100 | $60,500 | $107,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $92,100 | $69,600 | $123,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $110,500 | $83,500 | $147,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $125,200 | $94,600 | $167,500 |
Top 10 states by median Tax Accountant salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $119,800 | $91,000 | $155,700 | +30% |
| New York | $119,800 | $91,000 | $155,700 | +30% |
| Washington | $119,800 | $91,000 | $155,700 | +30% |
| California | $117,900 | $89,600 | $153,300 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $116,100 | $88,200 | $150,900 | +26% |
| Washington DC | $112,400 | $85,400 | $146,100 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $111,500 | $84,700 | $144,900 | +21% |
| Maryland | $110,600 | $84,000 | $143,700 | +20% |
| Colorado | $107,800 | $81,900 | $140,100 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $105,000 | $79,800 | $136,500 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $78,300 | $59,500 | $101,800 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $77,400 | $58,800 | $100,600 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $77,400 | $58,800 | $100,600 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $77,400 | $58,800 | $100,600 | -16% |
| Alabama | $76,500 | $58,100 | $99,400 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $76,500 | $58,100 | $99,400 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $73,700 | $56,000 | $95,800 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $73,700 | $56,000 | $95,800 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $71,900 | $54,600 | $93,400 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $71,900 | $54,600 | $93,400 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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