Enrolled Agent EA Salary Guide

EAs who focus on complex areas such as international taxation, business structuring, or IRS audit representation are often paid more than general tax preparers. EAs with extensive tax code knowledge and client representation experience command premium salaries. If you’re considering a career as an Enrolled Agent (EA) or are already on this path, understanding the current salary trends in 2026 is essential.

Completing the AFSP is not nearly as comprehensive as receiving an Enrolled Agent designation, and you do not have as many rights as an EA. Another way to boost your salary and solidify your expertise is to become dual-certified. This in turn makes you a more popular choice compared to your peers when it comes to a potential client looking for a tax professional.

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Firms are looking to fill entry-level positions, so recent accounting grads and young professionals are in a great position to get their first accounting job. A smaller step, but still one in the direction of earning more for your expertise, is completing the Annual Filing Season Program. The biggest step you can take to increase your salary as a tax preparer is to become an Enrolled Agent. Here’s how the major salary factors break down, plus our advice for making the most of your tax preparer or tax accountant career. If you’re looking to speed up your salary gains in tax preparation, the best thing you can do is earn a professional designation, like the Enrolled Agent designation awarded by the IRS. This is a difference of $27,385, or an increase of about 38% annually for credentialed Enrolled Agents, making an EA credential the fastest way to increase your salary as a tax preparer.

Start studying today with Surgent EA Review — the smartest way to pass the Enrolled Agent exam — start your free trial today. Be sure to consider additional factors alongside salary when planning your professional path. Additionally, the EA credential is more client-focused, with a variety of career paths. They work in accounting firms of all types and sizes, and many EAs start their own businesses.

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• While this position is commonly filled by a CPA, the Enrolled Agent designation is a great way to secure your tax specialization.
• CPAs typically work in a more traditional office environment with a predictable salary that increases over time as they gather experience.
• This is particularly true if they work in a reputable accounting firm or the private sector.
• Whether you’re just starting or looking to maximize your potential, now is an excellent time to invest in your career as an enrolled agent.
• Enrolled agents, on the other hand, specialize in tax law and are authorized to represent their clients before the IRS.
• If you enjoy crunching numbers or preparing your own income taxes, then you should consider a career as an enrolled agent (EA).
• The highest paying types of enrolled agents are insurance broker, licensed insurance producer, and insurance producer.

In 2014, the average enrolled agent earned $31,983 annually, but today, they earn $35,171 a year. The lowest average enrolled agent salary states are Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The average enrolled agent salary in Alaska, Wisconsin, and Washington are the highest in the U.S. CPAs typically work in a more traditional office environment with a predictable salary that increases over time as they gather experience. Senior level internal revenue agents can earn a healthy income in the accounting world.

Review a breakdown of entry level salary expectations by state here. For those seeking a stable career and interested in tax law, the EA role offers job flexibility, solid pay, and a quick path to take. After passing the exam and the IRS background check, you can do tax preparation and client representation easily.

• However, besides the exam, there are not many bottlenecks to obtaining the designation.
• Once completed, you are listed on the IRS RPO database as an official “Annual Filing Season Program Participant.”
• The biggest step you can take to increase your salary as a tax preparer is to become an Enrolled Agent.
• The lowest average enrolled agent salary states are Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
• According to the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide, hiring trends in accounting and finance continue to favor the job candidate.
• Be sure to consider additional factors alongside salary when planning your professional path.

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However, it is vastly cheaper than that of preparing and sitting for the EA exam, and takes much less time to complete. This is good news because it means you’ve got options when you’re looking for ways to increase your salary! Earning an EA confirms to clients the tax knowledge that you have, and keeps you up to date every year on any changes in taxation. With his help, countless students and professionals have passed certification exams and achieved their dreams.

Highest paying cities for enrolled agents

There is no specific education or work experience requirement, although candidates should have well-established tax knowledge before taking the exam. Enrolled agents, on the other hand, specialize in tax law and are authorized to represent their clients before the IRS. An enrolled agent career is ultimately a wonderful opportunity. Lesser RequirementsCompared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous. The enrolled agent credential opens doors to diverse career opportunities.

On-site daycare could save thousands of dollars and dozens of hours in commuting each year. It’s really a personal choice what size company you want to work for, but you should consider benefits that can affect your quality of life. If your goal is to work at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, the Enrolled Agent designation is one way to stand out from other applicants.

For each stage of your Enrolled Agent career, you’ll see an average salary increase of 8.38%. In as little as 4 years, EAs can earn the same amount as the average CPA if they are successful and take on many clients. The average Enrolled Agent salary is approximately $52,000 annually, as compared to CPAs,  who earn an average of approximately $70,000 a year. To qualify for high-level positions, EAs must typically have a minimum of 5 years experience in tax consulting, planning and training. During tax season, these agents review and prepare tax returns for both individuals and businesses.

Since enrolled agents are federally licensed, they can practice in any state wherever they may be located. Mid-Level EAsEnrolled agents with a few years of experience will see a jump in their pay. Whether you’re just starting or looking to maximize your potential, now is an excellent time to invest in your career as an enrolled agent. EAs working at large public accounting firms or in specialized tax consulting roles often earn more than those employed at smaller tax preparation businesses. Additionally, having credentials like CPA or advanced certifications in tax law can significantly boost earnings.

Pursue a tax-based job title

According to the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide, hiring trends in accounting and finance continue to favor the job candidate. Offer some benefits (e.g., gyms, cafeterias, and daycare) that smaller firms can’t reasonably fit into their budgets. The larger the company, the higher the pay for a given role, and the better defined your career path will be. They must stay up to date on relevant tax laws and often communicate across departments to ensure the entire firm is complying with accounting procedures. While this position is commonly filled by a CPA, the Enrolled Agent designation is a enrolled agent salary great way to secure your tax specialization. This position does not exclusively involve taxes, but having experience with tax planning can be beneficial to many bookkeepers.

For example, EAs based in the state of California earn up to 8% more on average than those who work in other states. Unlike CPAs, enrolled agents become nationally certified, so they can practice in any state with the same certification. Enrolled agents are specialized tax practitioners who are certified to represent taxpayers in dealings with the IRS. If you enjoy crunching numbers or preparing your own income taxes, then you should consider a career as an enrolled agent (EA).

For example, areas with higher living costs often offer salaries that reflect these factors. For instance, Enrolled Agents with several years of experience may see higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and ability to handle complex tax matters. The benefits you’ll gain from earning the EA designation will far outweigh the cost of taking the EA exam. This is a great time to go into accounting, and becoming an Enrolled Agent will help you land an even bigger starting salary than you could without it.