Computer Systems Analysts vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn $53,230 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 105.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $30,500 | +$32,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $37,750 | +$43,150 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $50,560 | +$53,230 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $75,590 | +$56,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $96,240 | +$69,790 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $58,860 | +$53,100 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
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 Systems Analysts or Tax Preparers?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $53,230 (105.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
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 Systems Analysts and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Computer Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 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