Tax Preparers

O*NET 13-2082.00 · SOC 13-2082

Projected Growth
+6%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$55k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
7k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Process and evaluate loan applications
  • Assess borrower qualifications and financial history
  • Explain loan terms and options to applicants
  • Ensure compliance with lending regulations
  • Build referral networks and client relationships

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Tax Preparers positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Tax Preparers? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Structured — offices, data centers, or remote

Work Style

Independent — focused deep work with periodic team check-ins

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Tax Preparers involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningProcess and evaluate loan applications
MiddayAssess borrower qualifications and financial history
AfternoonExplain loan terms and options to applicants

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Conventional (Organizers)6.8
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.4
Investigative (Thinkers)2.4
Social (Helpers)2.3
Realistic (Doers)2.2
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Tax Preparer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTJThe InspectorESTJThe ExecutiveESFJThe ProviderENTJThe Commander

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Tax Preparers Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

IndeedLinkedIn JobsZipRecruiter

Similar Careers

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers+5%Compliance Officers+8%Government Property Inspectors and Investigators+8%Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents+6%Accountants and Auditors+6%Regulatory Affairs Specialists+8%Document Management Specialists+33%Cost Estimators+6%

Explore More Careers

Browse all careers →

Is Tax Preparers right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the free quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free · No account required · 5 minutes