Computer Programmers vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $48,110 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 95.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $30,500 | +$21,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $37,750 | +$34,110 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $50,560 | +$48,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $75,590 | +$53,370 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $96,240 | +$65,850 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $58,860 | +$44,780 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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 Programmers or Tax Preparers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $48,110 (95.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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 Programmers and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Tax Preparers earns $50,560. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS