Cost Estimators vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Cost Estimators professionals earn $26,510 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 52.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$128,640
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Cost Estimators | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,330 | $30,500 | +$15,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,830 | $37,750 | +$22,080 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 | $50,560 | +$26,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $75,590 | +$24,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,640 | $96,240 | +$32,400 |
| Mean (Average) | $83,160 | $58,860 | +$24,300 |
Employment Numbers
Cost Estimators
219,530
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $104,190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $103,030 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,990 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $86,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $86,300 |
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: Cost Estimators or Tax Preparers?
Cost Estimators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $26,510 (52.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators salaries range from $46,330 (10th percentile) to $128,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $77,070.
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 Cost Estimators and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 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