Tax Examiner Salary in the United States
Based on 126K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$80,426
$38.666/hr
▲ 2.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$70K – $195K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
126K
workers nationwide
The tax examiner salary in the United States has a median of $78,398 per year, reflecting compensation for professionals who review tax returns and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Approximately 127,050 tax examiners work across the country, performing critical functions within the Internal Revenue Service and state tax agencies. This median figure represents a middle ground within the field's broader compensation spectrum.
Tax examiner salaries vary considerably based on several key factors, including years of experience, geographic location, and employer type. Federal employees typically earn differently than those working for state governments, while advanced certifications and specialized expertise can lead to higher compensation. The salary range extends from $68,390 to $195,150 annually, demonstrating significant earning potential for experienced professionals in specialized roles or management positions.
Salary Distribution — Tax Examiner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,910 |
| 25th percentile | $100,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,426 |
| 75th percentile | $153,550 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
Tax Examiner Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Tax Examiner
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $125,110 | +55.6% | 2K |
| 2 | Maine | $109,060 | +35.6% | 1K |
| 3 | New York | $107,490 | +33.7% | 10K |
| 4 | Maryland | $101,400 | +26.1% | 4K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $99,970 | +24.3% | — |
| 6 | New Jersey | $98,630 | +22.6% | 6K |
| 7 | Virginia | $92,930 | +15.5% | 5K |
| 8 | Indiana | $92,410 | +14.9% | 2K |
| 9 | Ohio | $90,060 | +12.0% | 4K |
| 10 | Colorado | $87,430 | +8.7% | 4K |
Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,325 |
| 2023 | $75,516 |
| 2024 | $78,398 |
| 2025 | $80,426 |
Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tax examiners make per hour in the US?
- Tax examiners earn a median hourly wage of $38/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $78,398, though hourly rates can vary based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for tax examiners?
- Tax examiner salaries in the US range from $68,390 to $195,150 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and individual employer compensation structures.
Which city pays tax examiners the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for tax examiners, with an average salary of $123,450 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $78,398.
How many tax examiners are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 127,050 tax examiners currently employed across the United States. This represents the total workforce in this occupation nationwide.