Network and Computer Systems Administrators vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn $46,240 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 91.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $150,320 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$150,320
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,320 | $30,500 | +$29,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,860 | $37,750 | +$38,110 |
| Median (50th) | $96,800 | $50,560 | +$46,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,390 | $75,590 | +$47,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,320 | $96,240 | +$54,080 |
| Mean (Average) | $101,190 | $58,860 | +$42,330 |
Employment Numbers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
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: Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Tax Preparers?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $46,240 (91.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Network and Computer Systems Administrators has a median salary of $96,800 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