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Tax Accountant I Salary in the United States

How much does a Tax Accountant I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tax Accountant I in the United States is $66,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Tax Accountant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,379
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,759 to $73,341
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,252
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Tax Accountant I Salaries

A Tax Accountant I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Tax Accountant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Tax Accountant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Tax Accountant I (0-2 years): $66,709
  • Tax Accountant II (2-4 years): $77,932
  • Tax Accountant III (4-7 years): $88,230
  • Tax Accountant IV (7+ years): $107,442
  • Tax Accountant V (7-10 years): $163,736
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Tax Accountant I0-2 years$66,709
Tax Accountant II2-4 years$77,932
Tax Accountant III4-7 years$88,230
Tax Accountant IV7+ years$107,442
Tax Accountant V7-10 years$163,736
View as Graph

How Do Tax Accountant Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Tax Accountant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $73,860.
  • California: $73,580.
  • Massachusetts: $72,599.

Top Paying Cities for Tax Accountant I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $84,140
  • San Francisco: $83,219
  • Oakland: $81,465

What Skills Can Increase a Tax Accountant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.08% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Tax Planning (Mentioned in 3.25% Job Postings): Tax planning refers to financial planning for tax efficiency. It aims to reduce one's tax liabilities and optimally utilize tax exemptions, tax rebates, and benefits as much as possible. Tax planning includes making financial and business decisions to minimise the incidence of tax.
  • Call Center (Mentioned in 2.29% Job Postings): A call centre or call center is a managed capability that can be centralised or remote that is used for receiving or transmitting a large volume of enquiries by telephone.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 5.08%
Tax Planning 3.25%
Call Center 2.29%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Tax Accountant I's salary.

  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Tax Compliance: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Communicates Effectively $69,377
4%
Leadership $69,377
4%
Tax Compliance $68,710
3%
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Tax Accountant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Tax Accountant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,677. While startup companies pay approximate $63,175.

Tax Accountant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,175
Growth Stage 51~500 $66,815
Established 501~5000 $72,114
Enterprise 5000+ $74,677

Tax Accountant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Tax Accountant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Tax Accountant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tax Accountant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Tax Accountant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$80,051$38.020%
Internet$80,051$38.020%
Pharmaceuticals$80,051$38.020%
Software & Networking$80,051$38.020%
Energy & Utilities$76,715$37.015%

How Education impacts an Tax Accountant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tax Accountant I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Tax Accountant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $62,303 and $65,846.

Tax Accountant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Tax Accountant I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 4.4%
Associates 6.2%
Bachelors 52.0%
Masters 34.5%
Doctorate 2.1%
View as Graph

Tax Accountant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Tax Accountant I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$61,759
Average $66,709/year
$73,341
$5,147
Average $5,559/month
$6,112
$1,188
Average $1,283/week
$1,410
$30
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,341 $6,112 $1,410 $35
Average $66,709 $5,559 $1,283 $32
25th Percentile $61,759 $5,147 $1,188 $30

Tax Accountant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Tax Accountant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Tax Accountant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Tax Compliance Analyst II $72,766 9%
International Tax Specialist $91,806 38%
Tax Research Manager $130,856 96%
Tax Accountant II $77,932 17%

Most common benefits for Tax Accountant I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Tax Accountant I

Here are companies hiring for Tax Accountant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Tax Accountant I

1. Where can a Tax Accountant I earn the most?

A Tax Accountant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Tax Accountant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Tax Accountant I is $84,140.

2. What is the highest pay for Tax Accountant I?

The highest pay for Tax Accountant I is $79,379.

3. What is the lowest pay for Tax Accountant I?

The lowest pay for Tax Accountant I is $57,252.

4. What are the responsibilities of Tax Accountant I?

Responsible for preparing and filing tax returns, statements, and other reports at required intervals. Prepares paperwork for local, state, and federal level returns for submission. Examines, analyzes, and interprets accounting and financial records to prepare reports and provide recommendations. Determines and calculates tax implications and develops strategies for minimizing liability. Stays current on federal, state, and local tax legislation to ensure compliance. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or related discipline. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Tax Accountant I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Tax Accountant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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