Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents Earn $58,860 Median – 2025 Salary & Career Guide
The median annual salary for tax examiners, collectors, preparers, and revenue agents is $58,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average (mean) wage works out to about $65,010, or roughly $28 an hour. This isn't a one-size-fits-all occupation: the lower 10% earn around $36,120, while the top 10% take home over $103,380. With 133,090 people employed in these roles, it's a steady, middle-class career path.
How much Tax Examiners, Collectors and Preparers, and Revenue Agents earn
National median pay sits at $58,860, with the middle half of earners typically falling between $40,000 and $80,000. Experience and employer type drive the big gaps. Entry-level positions or those with smaller firms start near the 10th percentile ($36,120). Top earners, often in federal government or large accounting firms, can exceed $103,380.
Wages also vary significantly by state, though the BLS hasn't released state-by-state data for this specific occupation.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level salary breakdowns for tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents. However, general trends suggest higher wages in states with larger financial sectors or higher cost of living, such as New York or California. Lower-paying states typically include those in the South or rural areas.
How to become a Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Common majors are accounting, finance, or business administration. For revenue agents (who work for the IRS or state agencies), a degree in accounting with 24 credit hours of accounting is often mandatory. Some tax examiner roles at the state level may accept an associate degree plus relevant experience.
Licensing varies: tax preparers need a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS. Voluntary credentials like the Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can boost salary and job prospects. On-the-job training lasts from a few months to a year, depending on complexity.
- Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business.
- Step 2: For tax preparers, get a PTIN from the IRS. Consider EA or CPA for advancement.
- Step 3: Apply for entry-level roles (tax assistant, junior examiner) to gain experience.
- Step 4: For government revenue agent positions, meet specific course requirements and pass a background check.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents to remain flat from 2024 to 2034, with no change in overall jobs. This reflects limited growth in government hiring and increasing automation of tax processing. However, about 9,500 openings per year are expected due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
Frequently asked questions
What does a tax examiner do?
Tax examiners review and process tax returns, verify accuracy, and correspond with taxpayers. Revenue agents conduct audits, while collectors pursue overdue taxes. Preparers help individuals and businesses file returns.
Is tax examiner a good career?
It offers stable employment, a median salary above the national average, and opportunities in government and private sectors. The work can be detail-heavy but provides regular hours and benefits.
How much do tax examiners make per hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $28. Starting pay may be around $17 an hour (10th percentile), while experienced examiners can earn $50 or more per hour.
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, Collectors and Preparers, and Revenue Agents data.