Tax Examiner Salary in California
Based on 14K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$80,810
$38.85/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
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,160 |
| 25th percentile | $64,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,810 |
| 75th percentile | $118,160 |
| 90th percentile | $163,120 |
Top-Paying Industries for Tax Examiner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Tax Examiners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Tax Examiners in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $116,460 | 570 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,780 | 10K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,710 | 290 |
| Manufacturing | $97,290 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,910 | 34K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,130 |
| 2023 | $78,500 |
| 2024 | $85,850 |
| 2025 | $80,810 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,810 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,130 | $72,325 |
| 2023 | $78,500 | $75,516 |
| 2024 | $85,850 | $78,398 |
| 2025 | $80,810 | $80,426 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,810 | $80,426 |
Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,810 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $118,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $163,120 |
Tax Examiner Salary in Other States
Related Tax Examiner Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Tax Examiner ($80,810 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Tax Examiner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +123.7% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +61.5% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +61.3% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +47.8% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +35.0% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | +31.2% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | +23.2% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | +21.1% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | +20.1% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | +20.0% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | +1.2% | $39.31/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -1.3% | $38.33/hr |
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.