Tax Examiner Salary in the United States
Based on 126K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$80,426
$38.67/hr
▲ 2.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$50K – $131K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
126K
workers nationwide
The median Tax Examiner salary in the United States is $80,426 per year, or $39 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of Tax Examiners earning more and half earning less. The typical salary range falls between $50,385 and $131,029 annually.
Several factors influence the Tax Examiner salary in the United States. Location plays a significant role, with areas like the District of Columbia offering higher compensation, averaging $125,110 annually. Years of experience, the specific employing agency (federal, state, or local government), and additional certifications can also impact an individual's earning potential within this profession.
Salary Distribution — Tax Examiner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,385 |
| 25th percentile | $62,331 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,426 |
| 75th percentile | $104,026 |
| 90th percentile | $131,029 |
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 |
Tax Examiner Salary by Industry
How much Tax Examiners earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($116,460 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $116,460 | +44.8% | 570 |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,780 | +25.3% | 10K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,710 | +22.7% | 290 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $97,290 | +21.0% | 2K |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,910 | +19.3% | 34K |
| 6 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,220 | +4.7% | 9K |
| 7 | Information | $81,140 | +0.9% | 2K |
| 8 | Construction | $81,010 | +0.7% | 530 |
| 9 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $80,320 | -0.1% | 770 |
| 10 | Wholesale Trade | $79,330 | -1.4% | 2K |
| 11 | Finance and Insurance | $78,410 | -2.5% | 45K |
| 12 | Transportation and Warehousing | $74,900 | -6.9% | 430 |
| 13 | Administrative and Support Services | $66,710 | -17.1% | 4K |
| 14 | Retail Trade | $66,270 | -17.6% | 2K |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $66,060 | -17.9% | 270 |
| 16 | Educational Services | $65,920 | -18.0% | 7K |
| 17 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,440 | -18.6% | 7K |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $54,880 | -31.8% | 120 |
| 19 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $45,800 | -43.1% | 5K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Tax Examiner
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Tax Examiner roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goldman Sachs | $124,400 | 133 |
| 2 | JPMorgan Chase | $160,000 | 89 |
| 3 | Wells Fargo | $144,000 | 39 |
| 4 | Ernst & Young | $147,225 | 36 |
| 5 | Citi | $183,100 | 36 |
| 6 | Morgan Stanley | $191,922 | 29 |
| 7 | Blackrock Financial Management | $145,025 | 26 |
| 8 | Barclays Capital | $185,000 | 24 |
Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,325 |
| 2023 | $75,516 |
| 2024 | $78,398 |
| 2025 | $80,426 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,506 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,331 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,426 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,026 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,029 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Tax Examiner in the US?
- The median salary for a Tax Examiner in the United States is $80,426 per year. This means that half of all Tax Examiners earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The hourly median is approximately $39.
What is the typical salary range for a Tax Examiner?
- The salary range for Tax Examiners in the United States generally falls between $50,385 and $131,029 per year. This broad range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which states pay Tax Examiners the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Tax Examiners, with an average annual salary of $125,110. While specific figures for other states are not provided, this indicates a significant earning potential in the nation's capital.
How many Tax Examiners are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 125,740 Tax Examiners employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial job market for individuals in this role.