SalaryData

Tax Examiner Salary in California

Based on 14K+ workers in California

Data year: 2025 · Last updated: June 2026

Median Annual Salary (CA)

$80,810

$38.851/hr

vs National Average

$80,426

+0.5% vs national median

Salary Range (10th–90th)

$49K $163K

14K employed in California

Tax Examiners in California earn a median salary of $80,810 per year, with positions ranging from $49,160 to $163,120 annually. Currently, the tax examiner salary in California sits at the national average, reflecting competitive compensation for this professional field. Approximately 14,290 tax examiners work throughout the state, contributing to auditing and compliance efforts across various industries.

Several factors influence tax examiner compensation in California, including years of experience, educational background, and the specific employer or industry. Geographic location within the state and the complexity of assigned cases also play significant roles in determining salary levels. Advanced certifications and specialized expertise in areas like international tax or corporate auditing can lead to higher earnings within this field.

Salary Distribution — Tax Examiner in California

Tax Examiner (CA) salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$49,160
25th percentile$64,260
Median (50th percentile)$80,810
75th percentile$118,160
90th percentile$163,120

Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner in California vs National

Historical Tax Examiner (California vs National) salary trend
YearMedian Salary (United States)
2022$76,130
2023$78,500
2024$85,850
2025$80,810
Historical salary trend for Tax Examiner in California
YearCalifornia MedianNational Median
2022$76,130$72,325
2023$78,500$75,516
2024$85,850$78,398
2025$80,810$80,426

Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level in California

Tax Examiner Salary in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do tax examiners make in California?

Tax examiners in California earn a median salary of $80,810 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a 0.5% premium compared to tax examiners nationwide.

What is the salary range for tax examiners in California?

Tax examiner salaries in California range from $49,160 at the lower end to $163,120 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual performance.

How many tax examiners are employed in California?

There are currently 14,290 tax examiners employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's tax administration sector.

Is being a tax examiner in California better paid than the national average?

Yes, tax examiners in California earn 0.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $80,810 compared to the national median. While the difference is modest, California's median salary does exceed the typical compensation for this role across the United States.

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