Computer Network Support Specialists vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn $22,780 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 45.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Support Specialists earns $124,470 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$124,470
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Support Specialists | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,010 | $30,500 | +$15,510 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,720 | $37,750 | +$18,970 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 | $50,560 | +$22,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,710 | $75,590 | +$20,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,470 | $96,240 | +$28,230 |
| Mean (Average) | $79,610 | $58,860 | +$20,750 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Support Specialists
146,450
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,200 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 |
Best Cities for Tax Preparers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $83,600 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $83,240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $74,670 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $71,990 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $68,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Support Specialists or Tax Preparers?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $22,780 (45.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
What is the salary range for Tax Preparers?
Tax Preparers salaries range from $30,500 (10th percentile) to $96,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $50,560.
How many Computer Network Support Specialists and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Computer Network Support Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Support Specialists has a median salary of $73,340 while Tax Preparers earns $50,560. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS