Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents: Salary, Outlook & How to Join (2025)
Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents earn a median annual salary of $62,370, according to the latest BLS data (mean $70,520, roughly $30 per hour). The typical range runs from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $114,550 at the 90th. That means half of workers in this occupation make between those figures; the high end often requires experience or a senior role at agencies like the IRS.
How much Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents earn
The national median salary for tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents is $62,370 per year. The mean annual wage is $70,520, which works out to about $30 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn around $42,000, while top earners (90th percentile) take home $114,550.
Pay scales differ by employer. Federal government roles—the largest employer—tend to pay higher than state or local agencies. Experience, certifications, and specialized responsibilities (e.g., auditing complex business returns) push salaries toward the top of the range.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. The highest-paying states for this occupation are New Jersey ($96,420), Alaska ($94,630), Arizona ($92,680), Connecticut ($89,140), and Kansas ($88,610). At the other end, the lowest-paying states are Utah ($49,940), Florida ($46,760), and Mississippi ($41,860).
These figures reflect annual mean wages. Typically, states with a higher cost of living or stronger union presence for government workers offer higher pay. But even within a state, salaries can vary between urban and rural areas.
How to become Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agent
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Some jobs—especially at the IRS—accept a combination of education and relevant experience (e.g., bookkeeping, tax preparation).
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with tax codes are critical. Many employers provide on-the-job training lasting several months. For revenue agent roles at the federal level, you may need to pass a background check and obtain a security clearance. Certification (e.g., CPA or Enrolled Agent) can boost your candidacy but is not always required.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business.
- Gain 1–2 years of experience in tax preparation, auditing, or accounting.
- Apply to federal (IRS), state, or local tax agencies.
- Pass any required civil service exams or background checks.
- Consider CPA or Enrolled Agent certification for advancement.
Job outlook
Employment of tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents is projected to decline by 1.8% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 1,000 jobs over the decade. That said, roughly 4,300 openings per year are expected due to workers retiring or moving to other fields.
Decline is driven by automation and software that streamline tax processing and collection. However, complex audits and collection cases still require human judgment, so opportunities remain—especially for those with specialized skills.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tax examiner and a revenue agent?
Tax examiners typically handle routine reviews of tax returns and process refunds or adjustments. Revenue agents conduct in-depth audits of individuals and businesses to verify accuracy and uncover underreporting. Collectors focus on pursuing unpaid taxes.
Do tax examiners and revenue agents need a license?
No universal license is required. However, many employers prefer or require a CPA license or Enrolled Agent certification. Federal positions may have their own qualification standards.
Is this a good career for 2025?
It is stable but shrinking slightly. Entry-level pay is decent, and government benefits are strong. Best suited for detail-oriented people who enjoy tax law and don't mind desk work.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents data.